How Does Guardianship Work?
If you haven’t had any experience with guardianship for adults with dementia, it’s likely you don’t understand just how complex it is. You are not alone.
Call us Anytime
Laurel, MD 20707
Downs Law Firm, P.C.
Home • Living Will
If you haven’t had any experience with guardianship for adults with dementia, it’s likely you don’t understand just how complex it is. You are not alone.
Even Consumer Reports suggests working with an experienced estate planning attorney to make sure documents are correctly prepared.
Q: Is there a difference between a ‘living will’ and a ‘do not resuscitate’ order?
A common dilemma that families face upon the incapacity or death of a loved one is locating estate planning documents. While preparing the documents are the most important step, that is irrelevant if the documents are lost when they most need to be used.
Incapacity can occur because of illness or an accident. It can be temporary or permanent. That’s why every adult needs a power of attorney in place, once they turn eighteen.
“Gray divorce” — the unfortunately named term for divorce after age 50 — is increasing among baby boomers.
It’s hard for a family to recuperate when the patriarchs and matriarchs have gone to glory, leaving a battle for who will carry the family’s leadership role and manage the family’s transition of wealth.
As family caregivers, we play many roles: scheduler, money manager, house cleaner, health aide, nurse, navigator, nurturer and more. Perhaps the most important role, though, is advocate, as we ensure the best life possible for our loved ones when they are vulnerable.
To make sure you have your own decision-makers prepared to speak for your medical decisions if you can’t, because you didn’t get your vaccine for Covid-19, or some other tragedy, please see an estate planning attorney and get your living will and advanced directive in place.
If you pass away without a will, state law generally decides who gets your assets and, if you have children, who will care for them.