Illness is an experience we have all faced, whether it is a common flu or a more chronic condition. It can make us feel vulnerable and helpless. While we cannot always avoid getting sick, we can take steps to mitigate the impact of illness by expressing our wishes ahead of time. One way to do this is by creating an Advance Health Care Directive. This legal document outlines your instructions for what medical providers should do in certain circumstances, such as refraining from performing CPR … [Read more...] about A Health Care Directive Make a Difference
My Child is 18, Now What?
As a parent, you've watched your child grow from a wobbly toddler taking their first steps to a confident young adult about to turn 18. You've been there through every milestone, from their first day of school to their first little league game. You've helped them learn how to ride a bike and have cheered them on as they've grown into their own person. Now, as your child approaches adulthood, you're faced with a new set of challenges. While your love and support for them will never … [Read more...] about My Child is 18, Now What?
Let Your Voice Be Heard
No matter when or where....Let Your Voice Be Heard. In early February 1990 George H. W. Bush was President. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister of the U.K. Nelson Mandela was still imprisoned in apartheid-ridden South Africa. The price of gasoline hovered around $1 per gallon. The internet did not even exist. On February 25, 1990, Terri collapsed without apparent warning from what later was diagnosed as a potassium imbalance. Terri’s heart stopped and her brain was deprived of critical … [Read more...] about Let Your Voice Be Heard
Preparing for Health Needs
Each of us faces illness from time to time. We can and should do what we can to prevent illness. However, we also can prepare for when illness does occur. Preparation for illness has two components: 1) financial preparation for the costs, and 2) legal preparation for decision making authority. The preparation for the costs of illness includes savings through traditional means, such as savings accounts, and obtaining health insurance to help defray the … [Read more...] about Preparing for Health Needs
The Choice Is Yours: Don’t Lose Your Chance to Make It
Make sure your wishes are known with a health care directive. Most of us have heard of Terri Schiavo and her lack of a health care directive. Terri had a heart problem and slipped into a coma in Florida in her 20s. Terri had not expressed with great clarity what she wanted done in such a situation. This caused great anguish for her husband and her parents for years. Eventually, her husband decided that Terri should be allowed to die by removing her feeding tube. Her parents did not agree … [Read more...] about The Choice Is Yours: Don’t Lose Your Chance to Make It
Putting Your Legal Life Back Together After Divorce
On your wedding day, everything seems like a dream. You have planned for it. You imagine the life you’ll build with your new spouse. You are filled with hope and expectation. Perhaps you even imagine growing old together and celebrating your golden anniversary surrounded by your children and grandchildren. However, nearly half of American marriages today are likely to end in divorce. In fact, only 5% of couples will ever make it to celebrate that golden, 50th anniversary together. If … [Read more...] about Putting Your Legal Life Back Together After Divorce
Special Needs Trusts and Autism
Special Needs Trusts are just one aspect of a proper estate plan. Read on for more information on how we can help with your special needs trust or estate planning questions. Sam and Laura were delighted with the birth of their daughter Ella. The proud parents dutifully touted photos and began making college fund contributions. However, as time went on, Sam and Laura became concerned about Ella’s delay in developing basic skills. At two years old, Ella was struggling with speech, engaging in … [Read more...] about Special Needs Trusts and Autism
What Successful People Do
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and J.R. Simplot are names which have become synonymous with success. Bill Gates founded Microsoft Corporation and became a multi-billionaire at a very young age. Warren Buffet is known as the “Oracle of Omaha” and is known for his value-based approach to investing, which has turned his Berkshire Hathaway into a dominant force. J.R. Simplot pioneered the frozen french fry, was the provider for McDonald’s … [Read more...] about What Successful People Do
Eighteen and Alone: The Legal Risks of Independence
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee Your child has just turned 6,570 days old, and on the surface nothing seems to have changed. He still mixes the reds with the whites in the wash—she drove off with her book bag on the roof of her car again. But, disconcerting as it may be, for all legal purposes, turning 18 makes your child an adult. Even more disturbing is the fact that without proper legal safeguards, you may no longer have any say in their medical care or … [Read more...] about Eighteen and Alone: The Legal Risks of Independence
When Time Is Short
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee As you drive your mom to her regular doctor appointment, you think of everything you need to do: Drop off Bobby at soccer, pick up Sally from softball, pick up groceries, make dinner, etc. It seems the list is endless. You wonder how your mom had time to do it all and still have time to be so loving. After flipping through old magazines in the doctor’s office, you go in with your mom for her appointment. Your mom had some … [Read more...] about When Time Is Short