Elder Law: Should I have a POLST?
What is a POLST? A POLST is a Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment. In other states, it may be known as MOLST, MOST, or POST, but in Minnesota, we use “POLST.” The POLST form has 3 major sections for…
ESTATE PLANNING: Your Will and Your Pets
What about Fido?! 63% of Americans own a pet. Are you worried about your pet when you pass away? If your answer is ‘yes,’ then this entry can assist you in figuring out how to handle your concerns. In Minnesota,…
Elder Law: “FAQ about Guardianships and Conservatorships”
What is a “Conservator” or “Conservatorship”? A “Conservator” is someone who handles your finances and cares for your estate when you have been found unable to do so for yourself. Unlike a Power of Attorney, however, a Conservator makes decisions…
Elder Law: “FAQ about Caregiver Agreements”
Why would I need a caregiver agreement? Here are some of the most important reasons (you and your family may have others): For definition of services rendered and compensation provided. For family agreement and understanding – “buy-in” (both during the…
Elder Law: “FAQ about Medical Assistance in Minnesota”
How do I know if I need to plan for MA? Consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to the recipient’s health, age, and resources. Where do I apply for MA? Usually, the County in which the recipient…
Estate Planning: “Keeping the Peace Over Inheritance”
I recently read an article on “How to Avoid Family Feuds Over Your Inheritance” published a few months ago in next avenue.org, (link below) and decided a short, basic list of things to think about for those reading this entry…
Elder Law: “Avoiding Unwanted Medical Treatment”
If you want to avoid unwanted medical treatment at the end-of-life, make sure you: execute a Health Care Directive (HCD), the one legal document that can help you get what you want and avoid what you don’t want; talk to…
Senior Living/Elder Law: Are “Green Houses” the Solution for Your Senior Living Needs?”
Senior Housing is a hot topic! Seniors worry about where and how they’ll live if they need skilled care and/or assisted living, families worry about the quality of their loved one’s life in institutionalized living, and everyone worries about costs,…
Elder Law: “Medicare Considering Coverage for End-of-Life Conversations Upon Request By the AMA”
Back in November, I read an article in the AARP bulletin entitled “More Insurers Covering End-of-Life Talks.” What I found most interesting is that the public conversation and political outrage from a few years ago, which caused the Affordable Care…
Estate Planning: “Think Beyond Money”
Are you worried about your family fighting after you’re gone? Some people are, and many more ought to be, in my experience. Even a close family relationship can become strained when a family member passes away without clear instructions or…