Legal Planning for Aging Adults

Please call SeniorsPlus to register.

Planning for Incapacity: Many individuals are living longer than their parents, elder abuse is increasingly common, and Maine has new laws concerning guardianships for disabled family members. It is critical that everyone plan for incapacity by having a durable power of attorney for financial affairs and
an advance directive for health care. We will also address times when a guardianship may be appropriate due to family issues or the scope of the need for third-party supports. Planning to transfer assets on death: Everyone should have a will when they die. Even so, there are a number of new planning techniques available under Maine law that permit a person to transfer assets on death without a will, most likely at less expense to a family. We will explain all available techniques, many of which can be implemented without a lawyer. Probate: Probate is the legal process by which assets titled only in the name of someone who has died are transferred to beneficiaries following death. We will provide an overview of what “probate”
means and how it works, including how to avoid probate in many situations. Audience participation is encouraged.