This is the first in a series of information on the legal issues associated with Dementia.
While it’s Important for everyone to plan for the future, legal plans are especially important for a person diagnosed with dementia. The sooner planning begins, the more likely it is that the person with dementia will be able to participate.
In many cases, time is of the essence. If a person with dementia is able to understand the meaning and importance of a given legal document he or she likely has the legal capacity (the ability to understand the consequences of his or her actions) to sign the documents. The level of legal capacity required for a person to sign a particular document varies from one document to another.
It is very important to seek the services of an estate planning or elder law attorney as early on as possible. Once dementia progresses, the client may no longer be able to understand and sign the documents. I see this all too often in my law practice.
Legal Planning for persons with dementia includes:
- Planning for Long-Term Care and healthcare
- ing arrangements for finances and property
- Naming another person to make health decisions on behalf of the person with dementia
- Executing a Will and/or Trust to make sure the person with dementia has control over who receive his or her property when he or she dies.
Questions? The Law Office of Debra Simms is here to help. Call us today 386.256.4882
This blog post is not case-specific and is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Blog topics may or may not be updated and entries may be out-of-date at the time you view them.
