Q. My husband is a handy DIYer, and it has saved us lots money, in many instances. Now, he is insisting on doing our Estate Planning documents, including our Wills and our Financial Powers of Attorney, on his own. I am glad he … [Read more...]
Print This PageTop Five Reasons Banks Won’t Accept a Power of Attorney and What You Can Do About It
October 20, 2023 by
Q. My aunt signed a Power of Attorney naming her son, my cousin Andy, as her POA. When Andy took it to the bank, he was told that the document had to be on the bank’s form to be valid. This happened in Texas, but I’m concerned … [Read more...]
Print This PageWhy You Don’t Want a Springing Power of Attorney
May 28, 2021 by
Q. My sister recently discussed the topic of power of attorney with her family at a family meeting. She is planning to use an online service (which I know is a bad idea from one of your recent articles on this subject) and is … [Read more...]
Print This PageIs the New Netflix Movie “I Care A Lot” Realistic About Guardianship?
March 5, 2021 by
Q. I just watched “I Care A Lot” on Netflix and it was certainly eye-opening. In the story, a shady legal guardian, Marla Grayson, abuses the system by targeting wards that don’t really need her, places them in care facilities, … [Read more...]
Print This PageWhat it Really Means to Be an Agent Under a Power of Attorney
June 7, 2019 by
Q. My lifelong friend, Declan, has a family that has a history of early-onset Alzheimer’s. Declan is worried that he will get sick when he is still young and will not be able to pay his bills or make other decisions about his … [Read more...]
Print This PageThe Biggest Misconceptions About A Power of Attorney
July 27, 2018 by
Q. My lifelong friend, Peter, has an aunt who was never married and never had children of her own. Peter was the closest family member she had, but she was not a very trusting person, and didn't trust Peter or anyone, especially … [Read more...]
Print This PageDo You Need a Representative Payee for Social Security if You Have a Financial Power of Attorney?
March 16, 2018 by
Q1. My long-time friend, Ellie, is a widow who lives alone and never had children. Without family members to help, and dealing with her own dementia-related challenges, she’s finding it more and more difficult to manage her … [Read more...]
Print This PageIs it Time to Take Control of Your Parent’s Finances?
June 2, 2017 by
Q. My dad is in his mid-80’s and he still resides in the home where I grew up, without much outside assistance. He is healthy and takes exercise walks daily, to keep himself fit and active. When it comes to cognitive health and … [Read more...]
Print This PageWhen is a Person Too Incapacitated to Sign Legal Documents?
May 26, 2016 by
Q. My father, Roy, has severe arthritis and is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. He is widowed and currently lives in a stand-alone cottage house that my husband and I built for him in our backyard. Sometimes he seems … [Read more...]
Print This PageAsk the Expert: Can Banks Refuse to Accept a Power of Attorney?
August 1, 2015 by
Q. My cousin's parents executed a Power of Attorney naming her and her sister as co-agents. My aunt is now deceased. My uncle, who has dementia, is owner of an investment portfolio with monthly dividends being automatically … [Read more...]
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