Elder Law
Elder law is a relatively new area of law devoted to the legal issues that seniors face, including estate planning, health care, planning for incapacity, and the receipt of benefits.
An important issue for seniors is planning for final medical care. Many people write a living will. This is a document that gives you advance control over your final medical care. Through a living will, you may direct the termination of life support in the event of terminal illness, permanent unconsciousness, or brain death. Being faced with this choice can be agonizing to a loved one. Knowing your wishes in advance can ease their concerns.
At Parkland Law, we always discuss with clients the importance of having an enduring Power of Attorney. This will give a person you trust the ability to handle your financial affairs and health care needs in the event of your mental incapacity. Without one, if you lose the ability to make medical and financial decisions on your own behalf, you will not be able then to give anyone your power of attorney. In that case, it would be necessary for your loved ones to start a court application for guardianship. An enduring power of attorney is a more effective way to ensure that your wishes will be followed in case of mental incapacity.