DECEMBER 22, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 25 Many of our clients have a visceral reaction to the idea that they might be “kept alive by machines” after they are no longer able to make health care decisions for themselves. That is why they sign “advance directives” like health care powers of attorney and living wills.…
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DECEMBER 15, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 24 Sherri K. apparently thought her stepfather Clifford H. (the court opinion does not disclose family names) needed protection. She asked the California courts to appoint her as conservator, and she alleged that there was an emergency requiring immediate action. Without giving notice to her stepfather or other family…
DECEMBER 8, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 23 It is a common problem facing lawyers and litigants. What can be done if one of the parties to a lawsuit is a minor, or an incapacitated adult? Who makes decisions about the litigation if one party lacks legal capacity to handle their own financial and personal decisions?…
DECEMBER 1, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 22 With the U.S. Senate’s approval of sweeping new Medicare provisions the public discussion has focused on whether the changes will be good for the program, its beneficiaries and the nation as a whole. Much controversy has also centered on the politics of the changes—including whether Republicans or Democrats…
NOVEMBER 24, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 21 Sherry Zachary was sure that her brother Raymond had taken advantage of their mother. She was so sure that she hired California lawyers John L. Guth and Jeffrey T. Stromberg to file a lawsuit against Raymond. Eventually Raymond sued the lawyers—though not successfully. The first lawsuit filed by…
NOVEMBER 17, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 20 While in Via Christi’s St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, for tests, Lyle Rose fell out of his bed and hit his head. He suffered a subdural hematoma (a blood clot in the brain) and developed other complications. He stayed in the hospital for over a month, but…
NOVEMBER 10, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 19 Home health care benefits available through the Medicare program have been curtailed in recent years. The effect of the government’s crackdown on home health care costs has been felt not only by patients, but also by health care providers themselves. Take, for example, the case of Idaho’s Community…
NOVEMBER 3, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 18 If your child has a disability you will have thought about what would happen on your death. Who will take care of your child? Who will pay for that care? Your estate plan can help address those concerns—and should probably include what most in the disability community call…
OCTOBER 27, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 17 In 1978, shortly after his mother’s death, Donald Gilbert wrote this note on a three-by-five note card: “Dear Lillian, 11-27-78. I’ve been very depressed—I can’t stop crying for Mom—in my death I’ve left everything to you and the children. Don’t be angry with me. Love, Don. Mr. Gilbert…
OCTOBER 20, 2003 VOLUME 11, NUMBER 16 When Jessie Simmons signed powers of attorney giving her son Donald authority to handle her personal and financial affairs, she probably thought she was doing the right thing. After all, a power of attorney makes it easier for family members to take care of what needs to be…