April 16th is National Health Care Decisions Day. Health care decision making involves considerations about personal preferences, the role of other family members and physicians, finances, and religious beliefs. The legal profession is uniquely positioned to provide practical advice as…
A person’s legal capacity has to do with wide ranges of ability and understanding when it comes to making decisions. Different levels of capacity satisfy different legal transactions and health care situations. Typically the lowest level of capacity is needed…
On October 13, 2009, Veteran’s Affairs Secretary Shinseki established service connection for Vietnam veterans with three conditions; Parkinson’s, B cell leukemias, and ischemic heart disease. This is major news for our Vietnam Veterans who suffer with any of these diseases.…
In 1919 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11th as Armistice Day to honor those veterans that served in World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day to honor the veterans of all wars. Every Nov.…
The doctor says it will be a matter of weeks. Is there anything more I need to know or do? This week I had the privilege of saying goodbye to a dear client. As he faced his last days on…
The Social Security Administration (hereinafter SSA) considers income and disability as two separate eligibility factors for childhood Supplemental Security Income (hereinafter SSI) benefits. SSI is a means-tested program that provides cash assistance and Medicaid coverage to certain aged, blind and…
When my Father passed some years ago the flag ceremony performed by two active duty sailors at his grave side was part of the memorial to our loved one who gave four years of service. That flag hangs above my…
The doctor says it will be a matter of weeks. Is there anything more I need to know or do? This week I had the privilege of saying goodbye to a dear client. As he faced his last days on…
Other than living wills and health care powers of attorneys I find most individuals are not well equipped to prepare their own wills, revocable trusts and financial powers of attorneys. But my view is undoubtedly jaded by the fact not…
What does this require of me? Under a general financial power of attorney you will be appointed to represent your step-father, the principal, with respect to his financial affairs. This means you are in a fiduciary relationship and held to…