C19 UPDATE: If You Have Not Yet Named Someone with Medical Power of Attorney, Do It Now

March 27, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to have your legal, financial and medical ducks in a row. Sadly, when serious illness strikes it is usually quite rapid and often unexpected. In these times, however, we do have forewarning that we are all at risk of contracting COVID-19, the coronavirus.

What is the Difference between Guardianship and Power of Attorney?

March 27, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

With all the media buzz about guardians stealing money from those whom they are meant to protect and overall financial abuse issues involving seniors, it’s a good moment to revisit how surrogate decision-making works.

New Blood Test May Make Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Easier

March 25, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning, Special Needs Planning

A simple blood test may soon be able to diagnose patients with two common forms of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – and tell the two apart.

The Latest on Kirk Douglas’ Estate

March 9, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Advanced Directives, Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Old Hollywood didn’t pay stars well by modern standards, but Kirk had the wisdom to own his most iconic films and pour the profit into property. Soon philanthropy will force tough choices. The death of any giant produces shockwaves. Where Kirk Douglas is concerned, those ripples reveal how much the entertainment landscape changed in his lifetime and how much the numbers have grown.

How Can Long-Distance Caregivers Help Loved Ones?

March 2, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning

More than 1 in 10 family caregivers live at least an hour away from their aging or ailing family member, and many are tending to a loved one from a distance of hundreds of miles.

The High Cost of Medicare Mistakes

February 26, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

She recently enrolled in traditional (Parts A, B, and D) Medicare and was hit with huge Part B and Part D monthly premiums. She had no idea why it was so high. After many letters, calls, and meetings with Social Security, she still had no idea.

When Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney?

February 14, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Elder law issues can be complex. One wrong word or move can mean the difference between a good result and disaster should you become incapacitated or if other unexpected issues should occur in your senior years. An elder law attorney can help you plan for what will happen, if you should become mentally or physically incapable of taking care of yourself and your own personal business matters.

Do I Need Long-Term Care and Why?

February 7, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning

Long-term care, often called custodial care, is a range of services and support to meet health or personal care needs over an extended period of time. This is non-medical care provided by non-licensed caregivers.

Elder Financial Abuse Is Increasing

February 5, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Abuse, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Financial Abuse, Long-Term Care Planning

Financial Advisor Magazine reported that senior citizens lose at least hundreds of millions of dollars each year to fraud and various scams.

What Is an Advance Care Directive?

January 28, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Among the greatest gifts you can give your family is completing a medical power of attorney to help guide them, legal and other professionals say, and they note the start of the year is a good time to make this a priority.