A Health Care Directive addresses your medical wishes if you become unable to consciously make your own medical decisions. It ensures that your family members and health care providers are aware of your health care wishes and decisions. A Health Care Directive (also...
Planning
What is an Attorney-in-Fact, and Why Do I Need One?
An Attorney-in-Fact (AIF) is an agent authorized to act on behalf of another person. It is important to designate an AIF to handle your financial affairs and an AIF to handle your health care decisions in the event that you become incapacitated. Your AIF is designated...
What are the Different Types of Trusts that Are Available to Me?
A trust creates a right in property, which is held by a trustee for the benefit of the trust beneficiary. There are many different types of trusts. The trusts most often associated with Estate Planning are a Revocable Living Trust and a Supplemental Needs Trust....
How to Prepare for the Loss of a Spouse
Preparing for the loss of a spouse means having conversations that may be difficult. There are a number of things you can do now that will help you avoid financial problems or legal issues later. Get a Handle on the Finances If one spouse currently handles all of the...
What Steps Should I Take Immediately if I am Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, "Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions." After you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, it is critical that you take steps regarding your future medical care...
Can a “Go Fund Me” Account Jeopardize My Medicaid Eligibility?
Go Fund Me is a crowdfunding site that allows individuals to create campaigns to raise money. Individuals raise money for various things, such as tuition, travel, business ventures, or even for health care costs. Proceeds from a Go Fund Me campaign may affect your...
What Steps Should I Take if I Suspect or Am Diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia is not one specific disease. According to the Mayo Clinic "dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning." Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in...
Who Should I Choose as My Attorney in Fact?
An attorney in fact (AIF) is an agent authorized to act on behalf of another person. Your AIF will handle your financial affairs or health care decisions in the event that you become incapacitated. Durable Power of Attorney It is important for everyone to execute a...
What is the Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA)?
The Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA) is an amount of money a spouse in entitled to from the income of a spouse receiving Long-Term Medicaid benefits. Understanding How Medicaid Eligibility Is Determined The financial eligibility for Medicaid...