One of the most difficult situations is when a spouse, parent or other loved-one becomes incapacitated. In addition to the emotional and family issues, this creates the need to handle the affairs of the incapacitated person. Without the proper authority this cannot be done. A fairly simple way to handle this possibility is to have…
Banks and others “practicing” law
It’s great when more service providers are willing to offer help to seniors and their families. But, you should see an Elder Law Attorney when you have legal questions and issues about aging. A banker cannot legally prepare a Power of Attorney, Will, or Trust for you, as they are not licensed to practice law….
Revoking a Power of Attorney
Your Durable Power of Attorney is your most important planning tool. It is the legal document that allows your chosen Agent (family member, friend, or trusted advisor) to continue your personal business if you cannot do so yourself. This includes paying your bills, accepting and depositing your income, filling out legal forms, contracts and tax…
Bank refuses to honor POA – loses lawsuit
A durable power of attorney (POA) allows the person creating the document, called the “principal,” to name a trusted agent who can act on his behalf. Because of the risk of abuse, many banks will scrutinize a POA carefully before allowing the agent to act on the principal’s behalf, and often a bank will refuse…
Who will make your life-or-death decision? – CNN.com
Who will make your life-or-death decision? – CNN.com This CNN article tries to explain the difference between a living Will and a Health Care Proxy (or Power of Attorney for Health Care.) The most telling point is that estimates are that only about 30% of American’s have any sort of advanced directive or proxy. This…
Durable Powers of Attorney
One of your most important Life & Estate Planning tools is the Durable Power Of Attorney. This is a written authorization, granting your chosen “Agent” (also called your “Attorney in Fact”) the legal power to act for you (you are called the “Principal.”) It is similar to hiring an employee to do a job for you, however an…