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
Planning After a Breakup
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee Nobody plans to break up. When a couple marries, they dream of their lives together and the special times they will share. They think of the shared holidays and the family that will grow from their love. Their lives become intertwined emotionally, financially, and legally. But, as John Steinbeck said, “even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” When the arguing becomes too frequent, the emotional bond between them … [Read more...] about Planning After a Breakup
The Impact of Dying Without an Estate Plan
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee Most of us expect that tomorrow will be another day like any other. But, as Euripides said, “no one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.” In fact thousands of people die in the United States every single day. Some of them die of long-term illnesses. But, many of them die unexpectedly from accidents, heart attacks, and other tragedies. Let’s look at what would happen if you died without planning in advance. … [Read more...] about The Impact of Dying Without an Estate Plan
The Importance of Advanced Directives – The Terri Schiavo Story
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm,Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Theresa (Terri) Marie Schindler was born on December 3, 1963, to Mary and Robert Schindler. Terri grew up in Pennsylvania, and by all accounts had a normal, happy childhood. After graduating from high school, Terri enrolled in Bucks County Community College where she met Michael Schiavo in 1982. Two years later, on November 10, 1984, the two were married. When Terri’s parents moved to Florida in … [Read more...] about The Importance of Advanced Directives – The Terri Schiavo Story
