Category Archives: Power of Attorney
Can The Person With Your Power Of Attorney Change Your Will In Massachusetts?
A power of attorney (POA) is an important estate planning document. It allows a trusted person (your agent) to manage your legal and financial affairs if you become incapacitated. You may be wondering: Can power of attorney be used to change a will? In Massachusetts, the answer is a clear and resounding “no.” Here,… Read More »
Can I Revoke a Power of Attorney?
Spouses and partners chosen by adult children often lead to estate planning challenges. In one case, a parent worries that a second husband may be a poor influence and wants to revoke the power of attorney originally granted to a daughter. How to do that legally and without any hurt feelings is examined in… Read More »
Why Won’t IRS and Social Security Administration Like My Power of Attorney?
The IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) don’t recognize traditional powers of attorneys (POAs). Forbes’s recent article entitled “Two Times When Your Power of Attorney Isn’t Going to Work” explains why. The IRS says that you must use Form 2848, “Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative” to allow anyone to act on… Read More »
Just What Does an Executor Do?
Spending the least amount of time possible contemplating your death is what most people try to do. However, one part of the estate planning process needs time and reflection: deciding who should serve in important roles, including executor. Whatever the size of your estate, the people you name have jobs that will impact your… Read More »
The Difference between Power of Attorney and Guardianship for Elderly Parents
The primary difference between guardianship and a power of attorney is in the level of decision-making power, although there are many intricacies specific to each appointment, explains Presswire’s recent article entitled “Power of Attorney and Guardianship of an Elderly Parent.” The interactions with adult protective services, the probate court, elder law attorneys and healthcare… Read More »
How to Be an Effective Advocate for Elderly Parents
Family caregivers must also understand their loved one’s wishes for care and quality of life. They must also be sure those wishes are respected. Further, it means helping them manage financial and legal matters, and making sure they receive appropriate services and treatments when they need them. AARP’s recent article entitled “How to Be… Read More »
What Legal Documents Should You Have?
You might think that the coronavirus pandemic has caused everyone to get their estate planning documents in order, but the 20th annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Retirees found that 30% of all retirees have nothing prepared—not even a will. That’s not good, for them or their families, says this timely article “6 Legal Documents… Read More »
What Steps to Take when Dementia Begins
Covid-19 has made travelling more difficult, so holiday visits this year may not be the same triggering event they were in the past. However, even an online holiday visit can reveal a great deal of change, reports a recent article “Elder Care: When the children don’t notice” from The Sentinel. An elderly spouse caring… Read More »
How Much Should We Tell the Children about the Estate Plan?
Congratulations, if you have finished your estate plan. You and your estate planning attorney created a plan that is suited for your family, you have checked on beneficiary designations, signed all of the necessary documents and named an executor to carry out your directions when you pass. However, have you talked about your estate… Read More »
Know Your Parents’ Aging Strategies Before a Medical Crisis Hits
Many adult children in the US live far away from their parents. Managing aging parents or in-law medical events can be a serious challenge without proper preparation and understanding of what your parents’ strategy may or may not be, no matter where you live. Do you know what legal documentation your parents have in… Read More »