Q. My brother, Larry, who never married or had any children, asked me to be an agent under his Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney. Before I accept, I’ve been reading about what my role would entail. I am also considering … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Living Together Without Tying-the-Knot? Why Estate Planning is Imperative!
Marjorie (66), a widow, and Stan (67), a divorcee, have lived together for six years. A decade before, Marjorie watched her husband suffer from Frontotemporal Dementia, which caused him to be violent towards her, until he entered … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]
When is a Person Too Incapacitated to Sign Legal Documents?
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...]
Virginia’s New Emergency Contact Program
Q. Last week, my husband got into a car accident. It was minor, luckily, and although he was a little shaken up and had whiplash, he was fine otherwise. When he called us from the hospital, the children and I were extremely … [Read more...]
Ask the Expert: Can Banks Refuse to Accept a Power of Attorney?
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...]
Critter Corner: Why Plan for Incapacity?
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I read a startling statistic that less than a third of the population has completed Incapacity Planning documents. Why don't people plan for incapacity and how can my family begin the process? Justin … [Read more...]