Downs Law Firm, P.C.
You know that you can always refuse life-sustaining medical treatment. The tricky part comes when you are no longer able to understand your options or communicate your wishes to the health care professionals.
This undesired streak marks the first time in 100 years the life expectancy in the U.S. has declined for three or more consecutive years.
In some states, those who are appointed ‘conservator of the estate’ are those who make financial decisions. Those who are appointed ‘conservator of the person’ handle the same issues as a ‘guardian.’
A few years ago, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine gave us yet another reason to worry about getting Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: They demonstrated an association between hearing loss and cognitive decline.
Safe and shareable password storage is vital in today’s computerized world. The old solution–writing down passwords on paper set next to your keyboard–is not safe, not adequate, and not shareable.
If someone has lost capacity to execute legal documents and has no power of attorney in place or has a power of attorney that is no longer usable (for example, if the named agents are deceased), a guardianship proceeding may be the only recourse.
It was reported on the news recently that some of Aretha Franklin’s family members have found what they believe to be her will. It was handwritten, stained, and crumpled up in a couch. The courts may or may not choose to honor it, depending on whether or not they are able to verify its authenticity.
Your proxy should be willing to speak on your behalf and act on your wishes, not their own.
These documents could save money but can lay estate planning traps.
Normally, your doctor explains your health care options. You then decide what is best for you. What happens if you are too ill to make decisions for yourself? Who do you want to make those decisions for you?
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