Many people think of Powers of Attorney the same way they think about their Will – something they will get done “eventually” because it will not be needed until “later.”

A Power of Attorney lets you pick the person (your “attorney-in-fact”) who will make decisions on your behalf if you cannot make or communicate them for yourself. While we often think this will happen toward the end of life, anyone, at any age, can have an accident or contract an illness that prevents him or her from making or communicating their decisions for a period of time. Without Powers of Attorney, a Court may choose someone – a Guardian for personal matters, or a Conservator for financial matters – to make those decisions for you. Not only might that be someone you would not have chosen, but your affairs might be in quite a bit of disarray before this legal process is completed.

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Marsha Goodman
Marsha Goodman, Attorney, PLLC
13236 N. 7th Street, Suite 4-238
Phoenix, AZ  85022
602.513.0300

Marsha Goodman Elder Law Firm

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.

Talking to your senior parents about estate planning can be an uncomfortable subject, because many adult children don’t want to feel like they’re interfering with their parents’ personal affairs. Estate planning typically includes a legal will that outlines distribution of assets; a financial power of attorney which dictates who will look after a senior’s finances when they become unable; a medical power of attorney, the person responsible for carrying out a senior’s medical wishes; and a living will, which establishes a senior’s healthcare wishes if they become unable to speak for themselves. Discussing your senior parents’ estate early on with them ensures that you understand the role that they expect you to play after their deaths or during a medical emergency so that their wishes are carried out.

Talking to your elderly parents about estate planning becomes more important if they have not completed the necessary steps to protect their assets and secure their wishes. When approaching the topic of family estate planning, make sure that your siblings and immediate family members are involved so they don’t perceive your interests in your parents’ estate as self-serving. Ensure your parents understand you do not need to have the division of assets explained; it doesn’t matter how much they are planning on leaving you. What’s important is that they put the legalities in place to ensure they control what happens to their assets, even once they loose the ability to represent themselves.

Sources:
1. SeniorJournal.com   Robert Valentine
2. FamilyEducation.com

Home Care Central Phoenix and Home Care Greater Phoenix provides elder care and senior care in Phoenix. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602-265-8228 or 480-991-3959.