The health care industry has never been more effective than it is right now. Trauma specialists can achieve incredible things, and oncologists can treat cancers that were almost always fatal just a few decades ago. You likely want your parents to stay as healthy as...
Does a loved one need a conservatorship?
The topic of conservatorships has gotten renewed attention recently. The case of Britney Spears is the subject of much of the coverage. However, a look at when conservatorships are warranted is important for anyone with a loved one who may not be able to properly look...
Medical concerns could lead someone to ask for a guardianship
Most adults in Minnesota have the right to make their own financial and legal decisions. However, when adults reach a point where they start experiencing cognitive decline due to age or they suffer an injury that affects their testamentary capacity, like a traumatic...
What’s the difference between a conservatorship and a guardianship?
While many people put off estate planning for one reason or another, starting a new chapter in one's life, such as having a child, often motivates them to reassess the contingency plans they may have in place. Parents are even more apt to do this if they have a child...
Do you need to secure guardianship for an aging parent?
It can be very difficult to watch your parents age. They may experience medical events like strokes that terrify you and leave them with diminished physical and mental abilities. They could indoor the slow loss of memory and changes in personality associated with...
Understanding the different types of guardianship
Adults often start to lose their physical and mental abilities as they age. When this happens, it can be a cause for concern for their close friends and family. In these instances, a loved one, or the older adult may want to establish a legal guardian. Because older...
Minnesota’s health care power of attorney
Power of attorney (POA) is the authority to act on someone else’s behalf. “POA” is also the name for the document giving someone POA. Anyone having surgery, for example, especially under general anesthesia should think about making a health care POA in case someone...
Having second thoughts about a guardianship?
In an estate plan, a very critical component is the future of your children. While nothing is ever guaranteed, having a solid foundation of support and assistance for a child can make a huge difference. One of the big questions that comes with this is: who will be the...
Estate planning now can prevent the need for conservatorship
It’s a terribly sad story. The Vocino case from New Jersey is an example of the many things that can do wrong when you attempt to gain conservatorship or guardianship over a loved one who opposes the move. Here in Minnesota, conservatorship is a proceeding that...
