As elder law attorneys, we are very significantly impacted by an emerging demographic phenomenon. During the years after World War II, there were an inordinate number of babies born in the United States. These are the baby boomers, and over recent years, they have started to reach their senior years. Because of this, there is a rapidly aging of the population underway.Across the country, seniors comprise about 14 percent of the population. Here in the Burlington area, it is 16.4 percent … [Read more...]
How Is a Power of Attorney Used in Estate Planning?
Most people are aware of the fact that a power of attorney is a legal device that can be used to allow someone else to act for you in a legally binding manner. The person that gives the power is called the grantor or principal, and the term for the proxy is “attorney-in-fact” or agent.There are general powers of attorney, and limited powers of attorney. If you execute a general power of attorney, the agent or attorney-in-fact would have sweeping powers to act as your representative. In a … [Read more...]
Incapacity Planning Is a Must
When you think about the matter of estate planning, arranging for postmortem asset transfers will probably come to mind. Without question, you have to execute a will or some type of trust to state your final wishes. The ideal course of action will depend upon the circumstances, and there are many possibilities. This is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, so you should certainly discuss your options with a licensed estate planning attorney. End-of-Life … [Read more...]
What Happens if it is Too Late for a Power of Attorney?
Burlington elder law attorneys provide advice on making an incapacity plan, which typically includes a power of attorney. However, many people have no plans in place in case of incapacity and do not make a power of attorney (POA), which could have helped both them and their family members after a serious illness or serious injury strikes. A POA must be created while a person is of sound mind, and it is often too late to create a power of attorney once once is needed. You should talk with … [Read more...]
What Kinds of Healthcare Directives Do You Need?
Healthcare directives can allow you to provide instructions on your preferences for life-saving medical care. There are many situations where an illness or injury will cause you to need medical services at a time when you are not able to communicate. A decision will have to be made regarding whether to administer or withhold care. If you have advanced directives in place, your wishes will determine how that decision gets made. If you don't have any advanced healthcare directives, then it becomes … [Read more...]
What Happens if You Don’t Create a Durable Power of Attorney?
A durable power of attorney can be one of the most important documents that you make as part of your incapacity plan or your estate plan. A durable power of attorney can give you the maximum amount of control over your future, even if something bad happens to you and you become unable to communicate your own wishes or make decisions on managing your own affairs. You need to create a durable power of attorney before something happens to you. If you don't, the consequences for your family, … [Read more...]
Vermont Residents Describe What it is Like to Live with Alzheimer’s
A Burlington Alzheimer's planning lawyer can provide assistance to patients and their families when a doctor makes an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Alzheimer's is a disease that becomes progressively worse and which can make you feel as though you are losing control over your own destiny and your own future. You do not have to just surrender to fate, though. An attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC can provide you with help in preparing and making plans after a diagnosis. While it can be frightening … [Read more...]
Who Should Get Help With Inheritance Tax Planning?
Inheritance tax planning is one important step you need to take in order to provide the largest possible estate for your loved ones to inherit. Aside from planning for taxes, there are many more things you need to do in order to protect the legacy you want to leave for the people who you love and for causes that you wish to support. A Burlington inheritance tax planning lawyer can provide assistance with addressing tax issues through the creation of a comprehensive estate plan.We also … [Read more...]
What is a Springing Power of Attorney and Why Do You Want One?
A Vermont power of attorney lawyer can explain different types of power of attorney and can provide you with guidance on what is involved in creating a power of attorney. One of the types of power of attorney that you should consider when planning for incapacity is a springing durable power of attorney. Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC can help you to decide if you need a power of attorney and what type is the right one for you. We can also assist you in making a legally valid power of attorney which … [Read more...]
Does a Durable Power of Attorney Give Authority to Make Health Care Decisions?
A durable power of attorney health care is something that many people consider in case of incapacity. Incapacity can occur at any moment due to an accident that leaves you badly injured and unable to communicate. A serious illness that affects you physically or mentally may also result in an inability to make decisions or communicate them on your own. When you cannot make your own medical care choices, you need to have a plan in place to determine what care you receive and who decides on … [Read more...]
