Author Archives: Andre O. McDonald
What To Do When a Loved One Dies
When a family member or other loved one dies, grief and shock can sometimes be overwhelming. The last thing most people want to think about is making phone calls or funeral arrangements. Some things do not need to be done immediately, but there are some steps that should be taken soon after the loss… Read More »
When Assisted Living May Not Be Enough
Jane’s father Jerry decided, on his own, that it was time to move into an assisted living facility. Jerry’s arthritis had worsened to the point where he couldn’t dress himself, he struggled to get in and out of the shower, and he was lonely living by himself. Jerry did very well at his new… Read More »
What is an Advance Directive?
Jack stands at the door of Jill’s nursing home room, tears streaming down his face. The medical staff just finished inserting a feeding tube into Jill – an act Jack knew she didn’t want. Unfortunately, Jill couldn’t express her wishes due to advanced dementia, and she had no legal documents that expressed her wishes… Read More »
What to Do if You’re Appointed Trustee
Your friend Rose has created a trust and she would like you to be her trustee. You want to help, but you’re concerned about all that responsibility that comes along with being appointed trustee. You would be managing Rose’s property for her and for others whom she names as beneficiaries. You might be paying… Read More »
What to Do if You’re Appointed Guardian of Property in Maryland
Your grandfather Martin can no longer make decisions on his own. A court appoints you to be Martin’s guardian of property, to manage Martin’s assets. You become Martin’s “fiduciary.” The law now requires you to act to a high standard of good faith and honesty. Appointed Guardian of Property in Maryland: What Now? There’s… Read More »
How to Manage Someone Else’s Social Security or Veteran’s Benefits
Let’s assume you have been appointed to help manage someone else’s social security benefits. As an example, let’s pretend it’s you forty-year-old nephew, Roberto. In the Social Security system, you’ll be called Roberto’s “representative payee.” The situation is similar if you’re appointed to help your elderly father, who has dementia, manage his Veteran’s benefit… Read More »
What is a Continuing Care Retirement Community?
There are three distinct living phases associated with a continuing care retirement community (CCRC). The first is independent living when a resident enters into the community with few if any disabilities requiring limited assistance. In this phase of independent living, community residents typically take advantage of the broad range of social, physical, and intellectual… Read More »
Do Married Couples Need Separate Estate Plans?
The average American family has changed a great deal over the last few decades. The assumption that a couple will share finances, tax obligations, and a last name is one that does not necessarily apply in the 21st century. There are more options than ever before to keep your finances, identity, and future plans… Read More »
What is a financial power of attorney?
The wealth, property, and investments we accrue over a lifetime are often significant. While you have carefully managed your finances through the years, there may eventually come a time when you cannot handle such decisions. Planning for the likelihood that you are unable to manage your financial affairs is paramount, thus it’s important to… Read More »
4 Key Things to Know About Estate Planning for Seniors
When it comes to establishing wills and estate plans, older Americans outpace their younger counterparts. Still, a significant number — 19 percent of those over age 72 and 42 percent of those between 53 and 71, according to survey data — lack any type of estate plan. Although estate planning for seniors can seem daunting, and even… Read More »
