Throughout the course of your life you will make thousands of decisions relating to your health and the healthcare treatment you receive. For the most part, you will probably not give much thought to the fact that you have the ability to make these decisions; however, if you were suddenly deprived of the ability to make your own healthcare decisions you would certainly start paying attention! In essence, that is exactly what could happen if you were to become incapacitated and failed to plan … [Read more...] about What Is a Healthcare Directive?
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Common Elder Financial Scams Explained
Sadly, seniors are frequently targeted by criminals who perpetrate financial scams. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging has made consumer protection and fraud prevention a major focus of its work, including identifying scams that target seniors. If you are a senior yourself, or are a loved one of a senior, you need to read the following summaries of the top 10 elder financial scams identified by the Special Committee on Aging: IRS Impersonation Scam –While there are multiple … [Read more...] about Common Elder Financial Scams Explained
What Type of Power of Attorney Do I Need?
One of the most common estate planning tools is a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney, or POA, can be an effective tool to help achieve a wide variety of estate planning goals, as long as the right type of POA is used. In part because people are so familiar with the concept of a POA, the authority granted in one is easily abused or misused. Before you execute a Power of Attorney be sure you discuss your intended goal with your estate planning attorney. In the meantime, a Baldwin Hills estate … [Read more...] about What Type of Power of Attorney Do I Need?
Why Is It Important to Have an Estate Plan?
You have undoubtedly heard time and time again how important it is to have an estate plan in place – but has anyone bothered to explain why it is so important? Over half of all Americans do not have an estate plan in place despite admitting that they too have been told how important it is to have one. Not surprisingly, one of the most common explanations given for the apparent disparity is that people are unsure why they need a plan. A well thought out and comprehensive estate plan can fulfill … [Read more...] about Why Is It Important to Have an Estate Plan?
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Initially declared by President Ronald Regan in 1983 and actively promoted by the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” is celebrated each June to help raise awareness about the disease, show support for the millions of people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and recognize caregivers taking care of people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The Los Angeles elder law attorneys at Collins Law Group encourage you to … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
Can I Be the Trustee of My Trust?
Trusts are among the most common of all estate planning tools given the numerous and varied goals a trust can help you achieve within your estate plan. If you decide to incorporate a trust into your estate plan, you will need to appoint a Trustee to administer the trust. You may be tempted to appoint yourself as the Trustee. A Los Angeles trust administration attorney at Collins Law Firm discuss the wisdom of appointing yourself as the Trustee of your own trust. Trust Basics A trust … [Read more...] about Can I Be the Trustee of My Trust?
Can I Avoid Conservatorship?
Although it may be difficult to envision a future where you are incapacitated and unable to care for yourself and/or manage your affairs, doing so now ensures that you retain control over who will be chosen to make decisions for you and manage your affairs for you. If you fail to plan ahead for the possibility of your own incapacity, it may be left up to a court to make that decision. A Los Angeles probate attorney from Collins Law Firm explains how careful planning now could avoid … [Read more...] about Can I Avoid Conservatorship?
Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Today, the world is much smaller than it was just a few generations ago – at least it may seem that way given how easy it is to move across national borders. The ease with which we can all move away, however, can make it difficult to care for an aging parent when the time comes that care is needed. Consequently, you may find yourself providing care from afar. If so, a Los Angeles elder law attorney at Collins Law Firm offers some tips for those who are providing care … [Read more...] about Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers
Choosing An Executor & Its Importance
Choosing an executor of your estate does not have to be a difficult process, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. For most people, the first estate planning document they create is a Last Will and Testament. When you create your Will, it is likely that your focus will be on the gifts that you wish to leave your loved ones. While the distribution of your estate assets is an important aspect of creating your Will, the appointment of an Executor is also important. In … [Read more...] about Choosing An Executor & Its Importance
5 Things You Need to Know about Wills and Trusts
Estate planning can seem a little overwhelming to someone who is new to the concept. Knowing that the components that make up your estate plan will likely represent the most important set of legal documents you execute over the course of your life can be intimidating. Along with the need to make potentially life-altering decisions, you will also need to work with estate planning tools and strategies that are unfamiliar to you. Among the most basic of those tools is a Last Will and Testament and … [Read more...] about 5 Things You Need to Know about Wills and Trusts
