Elder Law Blog
Please note these resources are an archive for informational purposes, and shouldn’t be relied on as legal advice.
You Need a Good Durable Financial Power of Attorney
By Mia Poliquin Pross, Esq. A durable financial power of attorney is a legal document that names a trusted person to handle your finances if you can’t do so on your own. In my elder law practice, I find that people often misunderstand this document. I also see a lot...
Death with Dignity Act Becomes Law in Maine
By Kathleen Kienitz, Esq. Recently, the Death with Dignity Act was signed into law in Maine. Maine is the ninth state to have enacted such a law. There is a lot of confusion about what this law allows and doesn’t allow. Although the law has been controversial, it is...
I have a Will so My Estate Won’t have to be Probated, Right?
By Kathleen Kienitz, Esq., This is one of those questions that I am asked so often that I am left scratching my head wondering just how widespread this myth is. This article will explain the purpose of a last will and testament and describe what is involved in...
Risky Gifts
By Mia Poliquin Pross, Esq. We often talk to elderly people who are living in homes that are too big and burdensome for their current lifestyle or health condition. But those homes are sometimes the elder’s major asset and they want to leave it as an inheritance for...
Beware the Joint Account
By Mia Poliquin Pross, Esq. As people age, they often decide to make one of their adult children a joint owner of their bank account so someone can help with bills and access funds in an emergency. While this seems reasonable enough, especially if you have a great...
Getting the Most Out of Your Social Security
By Kathleen Kienitz, Esq., For most Mainers facing retirement, Social Security will be the largest source of income upon which they will rely for the rest of their life. It is therefore important to have a basic understanding of the rules that will determine how much...