(Minnesota Supreme Court opinion, published September 17, 2014) On September 17, 2014, the Minnesota Supreme Court (MSC) finally published its long-awaited opinion, which dealt with the issue of whether a court-appointed guardian of a ward, without prior court approval, could…
“DARTS creates connections that enrich aging.” DARTS, www.dartsconnects.org, an invaluable Dakota County resource, is offering a series of free educational conversations on addressing the legal needs and concerns of the aging journey. WHEN: October 14, 2014 from 4:30pm to 6pm…
Since most of us will need some sort of long-term care when we’re over 65, the study put out recently by AARP, the SCAN Foundation, and The Commonwealth Fund may interest you – Minnesota ranks in the highest eight (8)…
Many clients in an Elder Law practice are adult children concerned about or in the throws of helping their parents with their life transitions. They know full well how complicated this stage of their lives and their parents’ lives can…
Elder Financial Abuse (EFA) includes illegal or improper use of either an elderly person’s income and/or assets (theft, misappropriation, deception, duress, coercion, undue influence, and intentional or negligent failure to use the elder’s income or assets properly – meaning, for…
Most people are surprised to find there are so many different varieties of dementia when a loved one is diagnosed. What’s more is that they often are frustrated that a precise diagnosis for a loved one is rarely possible. It’s…
I recently attended a program which brought together hospital administrators, attorneys, and social workers to discuss issues and confusion that come up with Health Care Directives (HCD). The problems commonly arise when the health care agent (the person granted the…
PART III: Third-Party Special Needs Trusts (or “Supplemental Needs Trusts” in Minnesota) This is the third and final entry in a three-part series on special needs trusts – trusts able to provide additional or “special” funds for a disabled person…
PART II: Pooled Special Needs Trusts This is the second entry in a three-part series on special needs trusts – trusts able to provide additional or “special” funds for a disabled person who has limited resources and may already be…
PART I: First-Party Special Needs Trusts This is the first entry in a three-part series on special needs trusts – trusts able to provide additional or “special” funds for a disabled person who has limited resources and may already be…