The sensational story of the 26 year older caregiver who was charged with murder of her 91 year old great aunt leaves caregivers balancing end of life wishes with elder abuse. The LA Times reported the story of Stephanie Hernandez who was charged with murder of her great-aunt after caring for her for over three [...]
Jul
9
2011
9
2011
Mar
20
2011
20
2011
Do You Need a Will?
A common retort when I ask people if they have a last will and testament is that they do not have any assets, so why do they need a will. Even if you have a small estate, a will provides some basic advantages over dying intestate. With a will you can provide all of the [...]
Jan
5
2011
5
2011
Baby Boomers Face Looming Retirement Crisis
The new year will mark the first month that individuals known as “Baby Boomers” will turn 65 years of age. The Baby Boomer Generation has been defined as those individuals born from 1946 to 1964 (the post World War II generation). More than 10,000 baby boomers per day will turn 65 over the next 19 years, [...]
Aug
17
2010
17
2010
DNR Does Not Mean Do Not Treat
A young husband and father, who was fairly healthy with the exception of a bum knee, was a bit nervous about his impending knee surgery and thought it prudent to have his ducks-in-a-row. So, in preparation for his knee surgery, he had his last will and testament, his living will and durable powers of attorney [...]
Jul
10
2010
10
2010
To be, or not to be!
That is the question posed to clients preparing their estate plans. Most of us remember the fifteen year battle of Terri Schiavo, which ended in 2005 after a very long legal battle between her husband and parents and a very public debate about her right to die or to live. Aside from asset distribution upon [...]
Mar
5
2010
5
2010
Congress Fails to Act – How will it affect your estate plan?
We have heard the same story for much of the past year. The United States Congress has failed to take action. Much of the press has centered on Congress’ inability to pass a Health Insurance Reform bill. However, Congress has also failed to deal with a loophole in the legislation dealing with the federal estate tax. Their [...]