End-of-Life Planning

Women Have Important Estate Planning Considerations to Address

Published on: June 22, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

In the absence of a well-crafted estate plan, women can be affected more often and more directly than men. According to www.forbes.com, women live longer than men, on average, and tend to marry older spouses; this makes women three times more likely as men to be widowed at age 65.

With women commonly living longer than their male spouses, it is essential for women to have their financial and estate plans in order.

Northwest Herald’s article, “Home State Bank Emphasizes Estate Planning For Women,”says that a key aspect of estate planning is designating someone you trust to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters in the event you can't (even temporarily) due to illness or disability. Designate this person in a durable power of attorney.

Sharing End of Life Plans is a Gift to Family

Published on: June 3, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

At Hospice of Anchorage, end of life planning is what clinical director Alison O'Donnell encourages. Having advanced directives, or a living will, and a power of attorney in place is a gift to family, she said.

Near retirees all over the country are starting to think about downsizing for retirement. Consignment shop owner Christy Carter knows this all too well, as she helps those downsizing sell their belongings. Ms. Carter said in a KTUU.com article, “End of life planning a 'gift for family,' experts say,”that she also receives a lot of merchandise from families who are cleaning up the estate of a loved one who has recently passed away. Most of the furniture she sells are from estates.

Many who have already lost a loved one don't want to deal with all of the details because they're going through their grief process emotionally. However, end of life planning is what the clinical director of an Anchorage area hospice recommends. Having advanced directives or a living will, and a power of attorney in place is a gift to family, she said.

Ask These Estate Planning Questions Prior to 2015

Published on: December 17, 2014 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Have a plan; either you decide or someone else does.

Year-end is a great time to evaluate your estate planning goals! This timely topic was the theme of a recent article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette titled "Holiday season is the best time to update your estate planning."

Here are some questions you ought to ask yourself as 2015 draws near:

Fundamental To-Do’s For Houston Families When Loved Ones Pass Away

Published on: September 9, 2014 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience. Yet, during this time, you must complete a variety of tasks and make important financial decisions. The following checklist may help guide you through the matters that must be attended to.

If you have lost someone you love, it's difficult to know what to do next. In addition to the emotional stress of losing someone close to you, you may also be dealing with financial issues you weren't prepared for. Take some advice from a recent article in the Des Moines Register titled "Important financial steps to take following a death." The article contains a helpful checklist to help guide you through the matters that will need attention.

Here are some of the initial tasks:

When To Shut Down The Pacemaker

Published on: February 21, 2014 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

[Pacemakers] prolong lives, but “all those people will face decisions down the road,” Dr. Mueller said. “’Do I keep it going? Do I turn it off?’” Physicians have similar questions, including what kinds of patients confront these choices and who usually winds up making these decisions.

Do you or a loved one live with a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator? These devices keep the clock ticking, so to speak. But when you are making end-of-life plans, when is the right time to turn the pacemaker off? This scenario is all too common and is presenting challenges in geriatric medicine and palliative care.

Recently, The New Old Age Blog took a look at this perplexing issue in an article titled “A Decision Deferred: Turning Off the Pacemaker.”

End-Of-Life Planning – Four Must-Have Documents for Houston Residents

Published on: February 19, 2014 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

To avoid a crisis in your family, be sure your parent has the following documents.

Some of the most important end-of-life planning should include making sure your loved ones have the legal right to take care of you later in life. Accordingly, there are some essential legal documents you really must have in place to make this happen.

End-of-life planning has much to do with medical planning. Doctors can only do what you ask of them. But what if you cannot communicate your own wishes to them? What then?