The Elimination of the Oklahoma Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
Dear Jonathan: Can you please explain what the difference is between a financial durable power of attorney and a health care durable power of attorney....more
Many families are confident that they have made the necessary preparations to transition their wealth, businesses, foundation and family office to the next generation ... someday, when the time is right. We know that some...more
A complete estate plan includes essential documents such as a Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Power of Attorney, and Last Will & Testament, which are vital in protecting your medical, legal, and financial decisions. These...more
This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which is designated by Congress to educate people about the importance of estate planning. Additionally, it serves as a nice annual reminder to review your estate planning...more
Wendy Williams, the famous talk show host, has long been a media fixture, but in recent years, her name has been associated with a highly publicized guardianship battle. This case underscores the importance of estate planning...more
Did you know that as soon as your child turns 18, you lose automatic access to their health, school, and financial information? When a child turns 18 and becomes a legal adult, it’s a momentous occasion—filled with...more
You just landed your first “real” job and are looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead. Your new job is accompanied by a 401k and opening a savings account. You have a car and you are thinking about buying your...more
A comprehensive estate plan provides how your estate is handled in the event of death or incapacitation. It also establishes your desires for how medical and life-sustaining treatments are communicated and administered. ...more
We all make important decisions and engage in regular financial transactions without giving a second thought about our capacity to do so. But what if you suddenly lost the ability? What would happen? While most of us don’t...more
Dear Jonathan: My father, a widower, passed away a couple of months ago. Being his only child, he appointed me as his agent on his durable power of attorney so that I can handle his bill paying which I have been doing for the...more
Dear Jonathan: My parents just updated their estate plan and told me that they named me in their wills, their trust and their financial and health care durable powers of attorney to act for them when they can no longer act...more
Michigan’s new Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) becomes effective on July 1, 2024. This law serves several purposes, which include preventing financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals and making standard power of...more
As your child approaches their milestone 18th birthday, it's crucial to understand the changes and responsibilities that accompany reaching the age of majority in the eyes of the law. This moment marks their transition into...more
Normal aging can be challenging, but caring for an aging family member with dementia is particularly difficult. Over the years, we have often seen caregivers suffer from exhaustion, compromising their mental and physical...more
Trial attorney David Skidmore from Warner Norcross + Judd LLP’s Probate Litigation Practice Group, a subgroup of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group, recently represented clients in a trial before the...more
Baker Donelson secured a win before the Tennessee Supreme Court when, on February 16, 2024, the Court issued a ruling supporting health care providers and those who seek to secure health care for a loved one. In Williams v....more
As college students prepare to move into campus housing and attend orientation, estate planning is likely the last thing on their mind. However, when a person turns 18, health care decisions and managing financial matters no...more
Days ago, I watched our baby girl back out of our driveway in her trusty SUV that once belonged to her grandparents to venture boldly to a new state and new chapter in her life. This fall marks the third and final time we...more
Most parents realize that once your child turns 18, you can no longer make medical or financial decisions for them, nor do you have legal access to your child’s educational, medical and financial information without their...more
Parents with young children often hear that “the days are long, but the years are short.” However, this phrase may not truly resonate until their children get older and experience certain milestones. Starting college is one...more
A power of attorney is among one of the most important incapacity planning documents you can have. It designates someone you trust with taking care of your affairs if you become unable to do so....more
Reaching the age of majority is a critical milestone in a young person’s life. It brings with it important changes and new freedoms. The newly minted adult may now vote, enter into contracts, join the military and marry....more
Under Michigan law, there are two alternate roles for making medical decisions for an incapacitated person. A patient advocate is a medical decision-maker who is appointed by an individual when planning for potential future...more
The age 18 milestone is difficult for parents, as they no longer have the legal right to make decisions or receive medical, educational and financial information for their children. For parents of children with special needs,...more
While they may still be under the care of their parents, college-aged or other young adult children should have certain legal documents in place in case of emergency or incapacitation, as well as to ensure prudent management...more