5 Legal Documents You Need for Your Loved Ones

Am I correct in assuming that the word durable is the same as enduring?

Please make sure that in addition to the durable power of attorney a Transfer Upon Death is signed for vehicles, bank accounts and any other day to day items. It avoids the hassle of waiting for the will reading to take control of immediate banking needs and is a simple way to transfer ownership of major purchases. Saved us a lot of hassle when Mom passed.

My parents just went and had their wills done in Mississauga. It's not a pleasant task, but sure will make everything easier between my siblings afterwards.

I wpuld like to know if it is against the hipaa law for me to put up a paper in my husbands room at the nursing home saying that I will be the only person to cut his finger nails. The aid cut them down to the qiuck and some are bleeding.

I have a question & I am hoping you can help me. I have been taking care of my Mother for several years. We were living together until she passed March 1. She & my Father did a will a number of years ago together & had it notarized. It was typed up by their friend, the notary, and the notary & her daughter served as witnesses. An attorney recently told me that the will was not legal because it wasn't done by an attorney. Is that true?? She also said a will can't be done jointly. I hope you can advise regarding this. I have a complicated situation because of a family member who did not support my parents at all & who even threatened them on more than one occasion. This party is specifically mentioned in the will, as to why he was to receive only a minimal token to make it legal. Thank you for any help!! God bless!

I have a question about paying the loan off on our car, and taking my husband's name off of it. How do I go about doing this. I have durable power of attorney. Thanks

this is very helpful

Hello LovelyLou, Thank you very much for your comment. Here is our topic center on wills and trusts that you may find helpful: ( http://www.caring.com/will-and-trust ). Take care -- Emily | Community Manager

Need more explanation on wills and trusts.My spouse has not been diagnosed with Alzheimers yet but his thinking is not there could use more information

A durable power of attorney is used in a medical setting. This gives someone the power to authorize "pulling the plug" and other medical decisions. And yes, these forms can by found on the web but many will not hold up in court and cause more of a headache than they are worth. It is so worth going through and estate planning attorney, especially one who practices elder law if working with someone 55+. It could end up being even more expensive if not done right to begin with!

Hi doodles1, Some documents may still be valid across states, where others are not. I think it would be wise if you had all the document reviewed in the new state to make sure that everything is still valid. Good luck -- Emily | Community Manager

It confirmed what I went through in North Carolina but now that I am here in Floida, do I need new documents?

Hi MYmom1, Thanks for your question. We have a great article all about getting paid to be a caregiver that you can find here: (http://www.caring.com/articles/payment-for-family-caregiver). In addition, here are a few more resourses you may find useful: (http://www.caring.com/questions/medicaid-caregiver-pay) and (http://www.caring.com/questions/how-to-get-paid-to-be-a-caregiver-for-parents). I hope that gets your started! -- Emily

My son lives with my mom in Michigan and she has dementia. It is not safe for her to be alone and he is unemployed. Can he get paid for caring for her as in income to be used by friend of the court? What is the standard rate for live-in family assistance? Can it be paid for by an agency or does it have to be by family?

Does anyone know the difference between "durable" power of attorney and "general" power of attorney? Is one better or more than the other? Thanks Kayjo

I want to see copies of these forms that I can use-- or at least links to sites that have them. There are lots that are available freely on the web

It would be good to see some of the vocabulary defined somewhere through hyperlinks.