Who Gets Access to My Online Accounts If I Die?

You may have a plan for what to do with your physical belongings after you die, but what about your online accounts? In today's social media-dominated world, a person's digital presence lives on online even after he or she is gone. But, who has the right to access those accounts? States have begun addressing this issue with new digital access laws.

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Reverse Mortgage Borrowers Are Getting Younger, Which May Not Be a Good Thing

The age of reverse mortgage borrowers is dropping, according to a new study by MetLife. Unfortunately, reverse mortgages come with risks, so younger borrowers need to be careful.

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5 Ways Your Will Can Become Usless, or Close To It.

Is having an out-of-date will better than having no will at all? While wills do not have expiration dates, certain changes can render them useless. When this happens, having an out-of-date will can be the same as having no will at all. It is important to review your will periodocally to ensure it still does what reflects your intentions.

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Erin's Corner.

Last month was National Health Care Decisions Month. 

Erin Vogt, Client Care Coordinator

The importance of creating a health care power of attorney is the emphases on this month.

Many people do not create a power of attorney for healthcare, or for finances, for a variety of reasons, such as I am just fine now, I don't want to think about something happening to me, I will do this later, it costs too much, etc.

I want to share a personal story that demonstrates the importance of having a power of attorney for healthcare. On March 20, my dad had a massive heart attack and required immediate cardiac surgery. Because he had created a power of attorney for healthcare, I was able to "step in" and make medical decisions for him.

Did I want to have to make decisions for my dad? No, of course not. I want to think that my dad will always be ok. However, without having the document in place, the medical decisions that needed to be made could  have been left to someone else. Someone who didn't know him, his values, or his wishes for advanced medical care.

I am pleased to say that my dad is on the road to recovery and is now able to make his own decisions again. However, we have a 'back-up' plan, just in case. 

My Advice For Anyone Over Age 18...

Have a Say in Your Future!... create a Power of Attorney for Healthcare and one for Finances. Choose now, while you are able to do so, on whom you will rely in the event you cannot make decisions for yourself.

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Resource Information: 

For more information on Estate Planning, including Powers of Attorney, from Dutton & Casey, please click here.

To read an informative article, written by Attorney Melissa Howitt, regarding the need for pre-planning, please click here.

To read an Chicago Tribune article, featuring Partner Kathryn Casey, please click here.

Other Articles of Interest

Deaths Companion: Paperwork

Prenuptial Agreements for Cohabitants

Planning for a Good Death

How to Protect Your Retirement Investments from Scams

Seniors Get New Help to Compare Services of Home Health Care Agencies

 Medicaid Gets Harder to Tap