The Elimination of the Oklahoma Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare
A new letter opinion from the Delaware Court of Chancery offers a clear look at how guardianship disputes can unravel when families delay planning and old loyalties collide. The case, In re Guardianship of W.E., involved...more
The holidays are a time to reminisce, celebrate the many joys of the season, and spend time with your loved ones. If you are like me, you plan months in advance for the season. Lists are made and checked twice. Amid all that...more
On January 1, 2025, Illinois Public Act 103-0994 took effect, amending the Illinois Power of Attorney Act to reduce risk for third parties by ensuring the powers of attorney presented to them are still in force. The new law...more
This article explores essential estate-planning documents, including the key differences and similarities between a Last Will and Testament and a Revocable Living Trust, along with other crucial documents that build a...more
October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month — a timely reminder that everyone, not just the wealthy or elderly, benefits from having a plan for the future. Regardless of the size of your estate, having the right legal...more
We all want to do right by the people we care about. But life gets busy, and planning for the future often falls off your to-do list. Without a legally binding estate plan, your good intentions might be clear to you—but...more
Many older adults underestimate their likelihood of needing sustained, day-to-day care in their later years, and a significant portion of adults aged 50 and older are not adequately planning for long-term care....more
Sending a child off to college is a major milestone — one filled with pride, excitement, and, in my case, a little anxiety. Two years ago, I sent my eldest to Europe for her university experience and, while my second is...more
It is easy to mistakenly assume that naming a guardian in estate planning documents is only critical for individuals with minor children. In reality, however, appointing a guardian is just as important for parents as it is...more
Life can be unpredictable. Illness, injury, or cognitive impairment can strike without warning, leaving even the most organized among us unable to manage daily affairs. When that happens, who will pay your bills, manage your...more
As attorneys, we all understand the critical importance of appointing a legal agent to manage financial decisions in the event of incapacity. Most of us have our own Powers of Attorney in place—and likely for our parents as...more
Everyone should have an estate plan. Your estate plan is the roadmap in a crisis, providing guidance to loved ones on how to proceed and ensuring your wishes and goals are met. For those with young children or children with...more
Sometimes people going through divorce lack decision-making capacity. At times, the lack of decision-making capacity is the cause of the divorce. Other times, the incapacity occurred long before or after the separation, or...more
William Wordsworth said that the best part of a good man's life is “his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love." In this spirit, many of us work to fill each page of our life’s story with small deeds of...more
Parents of college students or of any child who has turned 18 years old should encourage their adult child to execute a durable power of attorney, health care proxy and HIPAA Authorization....more
Especially in the beginning stages of building a family, legal documentation is not often top of mind. However, for young families, establishing a comprehensive estate plan is an important and proactive step toward...more
As your child enters adulthood and embarks on their journey to college, there are many tasks to consider. Among the excitement of packing lists and dorm room must-haves, legal, financial and medical authorities are important...more
The use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (“ART”) is becoming more and more common, and those utilizing ART may have additional considerations when creating or updating their estate plan. This blog will focus specifically...more
Estate planning is a critical part of securing the future for any family, and for LGBTQ+ individuals, it is particularly important given the legal complexities and challenges that may arise in the current political climate....more
Dear Jonathan: Based on my research, I feel like I’m pretty well versed in what I am supposed to do when it comes to creating an estate plan for myself. Everything I have read says that I should have a will, powers of...more
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
Welcome to "Lost in Translation: Blunders in International Estate Planning." This blog series explores the intricacies of international estate planning, uncovering potential pitfalls and providing insights to navigate...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