Health Directive for Dementia

Healthcare documents such as, the Advance Health Care Directive, Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (“HIPAA Authorization”) and Living Will are an essential part of any estate plan.  The Advance Health Care Directive allows your appointed agent to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable.  The HIPAA Authorization allows authorized individuals to access your health care documents.  The Living Will is an optional document that provides that life-prolonging procedures be withheld or withdrawn if you are in an irreversible and terminal condition.   

However, now there is a new health directive specifically designed to address dementia or Alzheimer’s! This new directive allows for clients to express their wishes and give guidance to their loved ones with regard to their future care should they develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

Over the years, we have seen many families struggle with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other mental illnesses.  Family and loved ones assisting the incapacitated individual often struggle with difficult decisions such as living arrangements, medical treatment and overall quality of care.  Family members often question if they are making the right choices for their loved one… “Is this what they would have wanted?” 

This directive allows you to express your wishes at each stage of dementia, now, while you are healthy and able to articulate your wishes.  There are 3 sets of questions that ask about your wishes if you develop: mild, moderate, and severe dementia.

This new health directive for dementia is a wonderful and powerful tool that can assist your family and loved ones with making tough decisions regarding your care and treatment.  For many people, they may experience dementia related symptoms anywhere from 5 to 20 years.  During this time, your family will want your guidance. 

While we may not be able to control our mental health or future, we can provide some guidance to our loved ones who will be caring for us.  Tell them what you would like now so they are not left second guessing in the future. 

If you would like a Health Care Directive for Dementia to be included in your estate plan, I see people Monday – Friday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in Walnut Creek and Brentwood.

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice.  Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.  LAW OFFICE OF JOAN M. GRIMES, PHONE (925) 939-1680   1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  94513     © 2018 Joan Grimes

Mom & Daughter Estate Planning Duo

(This article was originally published in the Brentwood Press "Women in Business" issue)

For years, I have been writing articles for this paper (Brentwood Press) highlighting current topics and trends in estate planning and bankruptcy. 

This week, I want to take this opportunity to introduce my new business partner – my daughter.  Her name is Jennifer Wallis and she became an attorney in 2015 after graduating from the University of San Francisco with her law and business degree.  Jennifer began her “career” with me at the ripe age of 10 years old when she began assisting with copying, filing and basic clerical work.  Now she has returned to our family business, but this time as an attorney and my business partner.

At the firm, Jennifer is focusing her efforts on helping our clients who have recently lost a loved one.  Jennifer loves helping families through tough times and assisting them with distributing assets whether it be via a trust or probate.  Navigating the world after a loved one has passed is often very overwhelming. 

“While it is often very difficult to cope with the death of a loved one, I am so honored and humbled by the opportunity our clients give me to help their family during this emotional time.  To begin the process, I love learning about their loved one and the life they led.  From there, I love walking the family through the process of winding up their loved ones affairs. I feel so lucky and grateful to assist families in such a meaningful way.” – Jennifer Wallis

In assisting families with administering an estate plan after death, Jennifer has also seen first-hand the importance of having a well drafted and crafted estate plan.  The ease in which an estate plan can be administered is often dependent on the underlying quality of the estate planning documents.  Unfortunately, if an estate plan is unclear or contradictory in its terms, it can make the process of administering and distributing the assets much more time consuming. 

“I am so lucky to be able to work with my mom.  She has taught me the ins and outs of crafting a comprehensive and thoughtful estate plan.  I have also witnessed first-hand how a thoughtful and thorough estate plan, is really a gift our clients leave their children after they are gone.” – Jennifer Wallis

While I began my legal career over 35 years ago, there were very few women practicing law.  I am so excited that my daughter has entered the profession and can join me in helping our clients.  We see people Monday-Friday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in our Walnut Creek and Brentwood offices.  To view additional articles about estate planning, visit our website: www.lawofficeofjoangrimes.com.

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice.  Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.  LAW OFFICE OF JOAN M. GRIMES, PHONE (925) 939-1680 - 1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA  94596     © 2017 Joan Grimes