Thursday, March 11, 2010

Durable Power of Attorney

Do you have one? Do you need one? Who has access to YOUR MONEY?

I asked these questions at a seminar today with the Boost Your Brain Program of the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center in Winter Park. Meeting with 41 Y members allows me to meet new potential clients. It also allows me to hear what questions concern them most. Many questions begin with either "my friend" or "my parent" and relate particular issues being dealt with daily. They continue asking "is doing this, that or the other thing OK?" In a seminar setting I can answer general questions common to many caregivers in a minimum of time by comparison to an office consultation. The information passed out to a large group is by nature very general and may apply in peculier ways to any given set of circumstances.

More complex questions are best answered in the office during a personal consultation session. One persons actions with regard to care and keeping may differ radically from another person's situation. If you have questions, Call an Attorney. We are here to help. Many times a question over the phone can prevent major complications that could impact Medicaid Qualifiation, Taxes, Inheritance, Probate, Guardianship, etc.

A few of the members had questions regarding how to pay bills when sharing a residence with their mother, brother, etc. Dividing bills and paying 1/2 to the other person may seem reasonable today, but when the IRS audits your taxes, or when applying for medicaid, or when going through Probate administration, the answers may radically alter treatment in the individual case.

Bottom Line: Ask the question of a professional. Do not depend on the advice given to a friend by their former whatever. Be Careful out there! And I am Proud of You!

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