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 wants to take the initiative, but I am thinking that this is […]
How Can a Power of Attorney Protect You from Exploitation?
Dear Angel, I was recently listening to a true crime podcast and heard an alarming episode. A woman, Caroline, created a power of attorney for an older man, Charles, and moved into his California home. Charles died shortly after, although authorities do not know the cause of death. Caroline had used the fraudulent power of […]
Does Estate Planning Include Financial Planning, and Should Your Estate Planning Attorney Also Be a Financial Planner?
When you go through the legal process of Estate Planning, this includes you deciding: (1) who you want to receive any real estate, savings/investments, tangible personal property, and other assets of yours after your death; (2) who you want to put in control of making decisions and handling your legal and financial affairs after your […]
Getting Remarried? What to Discuss and Plan Before Walking Down the Aisle
Q. I have been a widower for six years and recently found love again. I asked her to marry me and she accepted. This is new to me, as I had been with my late wife for forty years and then on my own again until recently. What are some things that you would suggest […]
When Should I Update My Power of Attorney?
Q. I’ve had a Power of Attorney in place for two decades now. I have moved since then and have had several life-changing events occur. I’m wondering in what instances should someone update their Power of Attorney? What happens if I don’t update it? Thanks for your help! A. As you likely realize, it is […]
Why You Don’t Want a Springing Power of Attorney
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 considering doing a springing power of attorney, where the power would […]
Acting in My Sister’s Best Interest
Dear Angel, My sister named me as agent under her Financial Power of Attorney, and she recently had a massive stroke, so I need to step in and start managing her legal and financial affairs. She’s only 59 years old, so this was VERY unexpected. But at least she was smart enough to do a […]