As Mother’s Day approaches, we remember all that our mom may have done for us. We can help take care of her as she ages. We can make her life more comfortable as she ages and possibly loses some physical abilities or mental capabilities. Make sure that you have legal authority to help her as... [Read More]
Category: Elder Law
Owner of New Orleans Saints and NBA Pelicans – Sought to be declared incompetent
Tom Benson is the owner of the NFL Saints and the NBA Pelicans. Both professional sports teams are located in New Orleans, Louisiana. His heirs have sought to have him found an incompetent adult and therefore unable to handle his own affairs (they are seeking control of his financial affairs). He had a mental fitness... [Read More]
Spring Comes, Seasons Change
As the warm air and sunshine arrives, the daffodils peek out from the barren ground and we are aware that Spring is coming. During cold, snowy, icy and gray sky days it is easy to forget that time moves forward and that Spring will come. Spring is my favorite season. It is a season of... [Read More]
If You’re Going Through Hell…
Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “If you’re going through hell, keep going!” When we are going through a tumultuous time in our life, whether it is personally, physically, or involves loved ones, we have to keep moving. After the initial phase of “catching our breath” after having the “wind knocked out of us”, we... [Read More]
Hospice and End of Life
As my friend is dealing with the “end of life” decisions regarding her father a number of things come to mind. Some of the most difficult decisions one makes in their lifetime are regarding their “end of life”. It can also be where you are assisting a loved one with their “end of life”. This... [Read More]
Ice Storms and the Unexpected in Life
The recent sleet and snow covering Western North Carolina in ice and snow reminds us of our powerlessness against storms. Whether weather storms or unexpected times in life. Recently my friend returned from a trip out of town to find her father jaundiced in color. Upon taking him to the hospital she learned he has... [Read More]
The Able Act
Congress passed The Able Act. It was to be a much ballyhooed law that would allow a special needs or challenged individual to own assets in their own name and still become eligible for Medicaid Assistance for special care living and related expenses. Unfortunately the law did not turn out as anticipated. What the law... [Read More]
Donald Sterling v. Casey Kasem – Estate Planning
The recent Donald Sterling and Casey Kasem cases served to illustrate when Mental Disability Planning is made a part of the client’s Estate Planning. It was done in the Donald Sterling case inside of his Living Trust aka Revocable Living Trust. A mechanism was designed in the Trust so that Mental Disability Provisions could be... [Read More]
Summer Travel and Heathcare Authority
Summer is when many Americans are traveling out-of-state. They are on vacation to new places or to visit with loved ones or family. As we cross state lines one concern is that our Healthcare Power of Attorney a/k/a Healthcare Proxy might not be accepted in another state. For example if you have a Healthcare Power... [Read More]
Casey Kasem Estate Planning Woes
Radio icon Casey Kasem famous for his national “America’s Top 40” weekly radio show, is in the spotlight for his Estate Planning woes. There appears to be an ongoing wrestling match between Casey Kasem’s wife and his adult children from a prior marriage over physical possession of Casey Kasem. He is reported to be suffering... [Read More]