01Jul 2020 by Todd Whatley
I can’t sign? But I’m his Wife!!!

I can’t sign? But I’m his Wife!!!

Estate Planning, Power of Attorney
“I have power of attorney because  I’m his wife!” As Elder Law attorneys we always recommend that clients have current, expanded, elder-law powers of attorney.  Sometimes there is confusion around those documents and we help our clients understand the reasons why we recommend them. First, many times a client assumes her husband can automatically act on her behalf simply because he is her husband.  Unfortunately, the law doesn’t recognize marriage as granting an automatic power of attorney.  For example, if a wife has her bank account in her name only, the bank will not allow her husband to withdraw money or otherwise manage the account.  As another example, if the wife owns a life insurance policy, the insurance company usually will not allow her husband to manage the policy or…
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21May 2020 by Todd Whatley
Helping Clients During a Hard Time

Helping Clients During a Hard Time

Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, VA Planning
Many families have come to us recently with concerns about transitioning someone to a nursing home when most facilities are locked down due to Covid.  As you can see from the photo, some local Tulsa  nursing homes have literally installed fencing to restrict visitors from entering and residents from leaving. These safety precautions make sense right now because residents and staff have been the most affected by the virus but the precautions definitely leave families confused and concerned.  We have been helping families figure out the financial side of long-term care by helping them qualify for Medicaid and VA Aid and Attendance benefits but the logistics of moving into a facility are a hurdle as well.  Some families have said they were hoping to wait until the virus is gone…
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12May 2020 by Todd Whatley
The Covid Crisis has changed lots of things.

The Covid Crisis has changed lots of things.

Uncategorized
The Covid crisis has changed many things.  Some of us are social distancing, reducing the errands we run, or even tightening the belt due to economic concerns.  Even in normal times the lurking uncertainty can be hard but during a crisis the uncertainty can be overbearing.   What can we do?  We can take action to plan for ourselves and our families.  We always recommend planning, no matter how simple, and during a crisis it is even more  important.  Think about the following: If you get sick and cannot speak for yourself, what do you want to happen in the hospital?  Does anyone know whether you want to be intubated?  Have you prepared a Living Will?If you are in the hospital or quarantined at home, can someone else go to the…
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22Mar 2020 by Todd Whatley
Unprecedented Times

Unprecedented Times

Estate Planning, Power of Attorney
As of me writing this (late March 2020), we are definitely living in a very different time.  I don’t think of myself as “old” but I do have more than a few decades under my belt. I’ve never seen nor even imagined a time such as this.  The aging population during times of quarantine need to make sure things are in order by having the right Power of Attorney. This is a particularly rough time for my clientele, the aged in America.  They are suffering more than anyone from this current situation. They not only suffer more from the disease but they suffer from the imposed isolation from all but “essential” personnel.  Our elderly need companionship and they need someone there to help them since they are suggested from getting…
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19Mar 2020 by Todd Whatley
Guidance for the Caregivers

Guidance for the Caregivers

Uncategorized
Family caregivers are truly unsung heroes. They volunteer to provide physical and emotional care for their elderly, ill and/or disabled loved ones without fanfare or pay. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 44 million Americans provided unpaid care to a dependent loved one last year. These are parents, adult children, spouses, and even friends and neighbors of dependent people who do not have the luxury of relying on relatives. While laudable, it is important to recognize that family caregiving is an enormous responsibility with many potential pitfalls, even for the most committed and compassionate family members. For example, if you are considering stepping into the role of a family caregiver, first ask yourself if you are qualified. It is one thing to provide assistance with meal preparation, bathing…
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19Mar 2020 by Todd Whatley
The world is recognizing the need for Elder Law Attorneys

The world is recognizing the need for Elder Law Attorneys

Uncategorized
The American Bar Association just posted a great article about the need for Elder Law experts.  This does a good job of showing why you need the  expertise of an attorney who really knows the implications of estate planning, Medicaid, Veteran's Benefits, Medicine and Social Work (anything  else need to be on that list?!?!?!?) Check out this great article. ABA Article
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