How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will?
Q: How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will? –Concerned family member A: Dear Concerned: Advance directives like living wills express someone’s wishes and preferences for medical treatment if they are unable to provide consent or refusal (e.g. due to coma or unconsciousness). A living will specifies the life-sustaining measures—such as…
Read More What is legal guardianship?
Q: What is legal guardianship? –Concerned parent A: Dear Concerned: Broadly defined, a legal guardian is someone who is responsible for the care (and decision making) of a minor or dependent adult. A legal guardian for a child is typically responsible for the daily care, education and custody of the child. A legal guardian has…
Read More How can I provide for my pet in my estate planning?
Q: How can I provide for my pet in my estate planning? –Concerned Pet Owner A: Dear Concerned: Many people have concerns about what will happen to their beloved pet when they die. Because so many of us view pets as family members, it’s no wonder their well being comes up during estate planning. Unfortunately,…
Read More What will happen to my assets when I die?
Q: What will happen to my assets when I die? –Concerned Family Member A: Dear Concerned: Many people wonder what will happen to their assets when they die. Indeed, concerns over this question are what inspire many people to think about estate planning, though we continue to be surprised at the number of people…
Read More How can a personal injury lawsuit or other settlement affect my government benefits?
Q: How can a personal injury lawsuit or other settlement affect my government benefits? –Concerned Plaintiff A: Dear Concerned: Receiving a personal injury settlement as compensation for your losses can bring significant financial relief if you are injured or disabled. But personal injury settlements can sometimes be considered income, and though most compensatory settlement funds…
Read More What Happens to My 401K When I Die?
Q: What Happens to My 401K When I Die? –Concerned Employee A: Dear Concerned: For many working-age adults, the 401K is their most significant asset. Despite it being such an important asset, many people don’t know what will happen to their 401K if the plan holder dies. Being aware of who the rightful beneficiary of…
Read More How can I be financially ready to retire when the time comes?
Q: How can I be financially ready to retire when the time comes? — Concerned Worker A: Dear Concerned: Many people worry that they will be unable to make it financially when they retire. Of course, much grief can be avoided by starting early. Learnvest illustrates the huge difference a small savings increase can make.…
Read More I just found out that my granddaughter is gay. I’m crushed. What should I do?
Q: I just found out that my granddaughter is gay. I’m crushed. What should I do? — Anguished Grandparent A: Dear Anguished, It used to be that gay people simply kept that fact to themselves and made excuses for not being married or having children. Today, however, there is much more recognition and acceptance of…
Read More Is it true that things I tell my lawyer are confidential?
Q: Is it true that things I tell my lawyer are confidential? — Concerned Client A: Dear Concerned: To receive high quality legal advice, it’s critical that you be completely open and honest with your lawyer. A lawyer’s advice is limited if the facts you tell him or her are themselves limited. That’s why all…
Read More Should I be concerned that my divorce will hurt my kids?
Q: Should I be concerned that my divorce will hurt my kids? — Concerned Parent A: Dear Concerned: Many people worry that if they divorce their spouse, their kids will suffer. Whether that is true depends on many factors, such as the nature of the couple’s relationship, each parent’s financial status, and how each parent…
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