If you have a loved one who is unable to take care of themselves, you could be dealing with a lot of uncertainty and you may be worried about which avenue is best. Our law office thoroughly understands how challenging life can be for people in this position and those they love as well. It is important for you to thoroughly go over all of your loved one's options and help them as much as you can. Sometimes, guardianship is an ideal way to ensure that your loved one receives the care that they deserve. However, this is a major decision and it may be helpful to talk about various options with your family.
Discussing guardianship with your family
Financial power of attorney: not just for end-of-life matters
Every New Jersey resident over the age of 18 should make preparations for powers of attorney. However, according to a Caring.com survey the unfortunate truth is that only 53 percent of adults in the United States have a power of attorney in place. The good news is that for Americans over 72 years old, 83 percent have granted this authority. Then, why is the general number so low? That is because millennials lag behind, with just 41 percent creating a power of attorney.
Guardianship and a child's health care
There are many factors to consider with respect to guardianship, whether guardianship is set up for an adult who cannot care for themselves or a child who is in need of a guardian. Guardians can be authorized to manage many facets of a person's life, such as their finances and legal matters. Moreover, a guardian can also be authorized to make health care decisions on behalf of the ward, and this can be especially important for some people with significant medical needs. Someone who has been appointed guardianship of a minor has an important responsibility and they should carefully handle all relevant issues while understanding their obligations.
The importance of advance directives
Advance directives are essential components of any estate plan. While many of these documents relate to what will happen when you pass away, advance directives relate to what will happen when you are still alive but need someone else to make decisions on your behalf.
Removing your former spouse from your estate plan
We know how difficult ending your marriage can be, and some people have an especially difficult time during and after the process of divorce. For example, those who have a high net worth may face significant financial hurdles and parents may have a hard time as a result of legal issues related to their kids (child support, custody and so on). There are many things to take into consideration once your marriage has come to an end and some people may forget to think about all of the different ways in which their life will change after divorce. For example, some people may have an estate plan which includes their former spouse and it is vital to revise your estate plan after a divorce for a number of reasons.
The importance of choosing a guardian for your child
If you are a parent in New Jersey, one of the things you need to plan for is who will take care of your child if something happens to both you and your spouse. While this topic is not something people want to think about, it is an important decision to make. If you do not name a legal guardian, this can lead to fights between family members over custody or the court may place the child in foster care.
