It is incredibly difficult to raise the topic of end of life considerations. At some point, someone will have to broach the subject, even if Mom or Dad have already made all of the necessary arrangements. It’s far different than retirement topics; these conversations have to do with funeral and burial arrangements, do not resuscitate orders, powers of attorney for medical decisions – the really tough topics. If you think about it and the mindset we’re in when we plan for retirement, it’s one … [Read more...]
Estate Planning and End of Life Decisions
It's human nature to avoid some conversations and when we can't avoid them, we find ourselves stumbling over the words that must be said. Planning ahead for our medical futures and ultimately, death, is as crucial as it is disconcerting. We create estate plans for the future but as many estate planning lawyers can attest to, the moment end of life decisions are mentioned, many clients find themselves a bit hesitant. Despite all the medical breakthroughs over the past six decades, the most we … [Read more...]
What Is The HIPAA?
A health care proxy or durable medical power of attorney is an advance health care directive that appoints an agent to act in your behalf should you become incapacitated and unable to make your own medical decisions. This along with a living will within which you state your health care preferences are two rudimentary components to most estate plans. However, there is a third piece to the puzzle that is also useful in response to the passing of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability … [Read more...]
Estate Planning For Same Sex Couples
The primary reason why it is important to have an estate plan in place, whether you have significant assets or not, is to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the manner that you choose. If you don't record your wishes, the state is left to decide who will make health care decisions in your behalf should you become incapacitated. They will also determine how your assets will be distributed in the event of your death. Few if any of us want that, and this is why a comprehensive estate plan … [Read more...]
