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Juliangirl1 Asked June 2019

My dad asked about a power of attorney. Is there anyone who can assist him with that?

My dad's been battling with an infection in his body since the beginning of April. He has gone down hill dramatically. He's lost over 15 lbs and uses a cane now but needed assistance from family members for 1 month or so. He then graduated to a walker and now a cane. My dad was always active and independent. He was an avid hunter, fishermen, and always on the go on the 4-wheeler looking for game and such. He can't do any of that now.

SofiaAmirpoor Jun 2019
If you are referring to POA for healthcare, you can do that yourself with no attorney in every state. Here is a link for POA Health care for every state that you can print out and there are instructions. http://www.caringinfo.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3289

For general POA for finances, I'm not as familiar with those. Where I live, you can get a form from the bank and have it notarized....again, no attorney needed.

Isthisrealyreal Jun 2019
I would go to www.nelf.org and see if there are any certified elder law attorneys in your area. Call them and ask if they have free consultation and then go interview the ones that do.

Have a list of questions that require legal assistance and get their pricing for handling all the things that your parents require to get their affairs in order.

This doesn't have to be expensive and a ethical attorney will help you save money by directing you to the things you can do yourself.

If your dad is only concerned about someone being able to legally speak on his behalf if he is unable, or to handle bills and such you can check with your states attorney general website and see if they have Durable POAs, HC POAs and Mental Health POA forms. These are completely legal in your state, they will list the revised statutes on them somewhere. They are completely free, AZ has fillable PDF'S, we filled them out and a notary at the hospital signed them for free, your bank will do it for free as well.

I think it is great that your dad is looking at getting this taken care of. Knowing what his desired purpose is will help you help him better.

We had a list of questions and each meeting to interview the attorney (we interviewed 6) we used the information from each meeting to update questions. PLEASE BEWARE! There are legal firms that offer estate planning packages for a fixed dollar amount, steer clear, they are complete fear mongers and they charge way more than a CELA attorney would.

Best of luck and may your dad get well enough to have some quality of life doing the outdoors things he loves.

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Countrymouse Jun 2019
Try these people.

http://seniorlawcenter.org/seniorlaw-services/advice-information-and-referral-services/

I found the link through the aging.pa.gov website so it does come recommended by a reputable source. They say:

Pennsylvania's SeniorLAW Helpline 1-877-PA SR LAW (1-877-727-7529) - The Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline is a toll-free, state-wide, legal information, advice and referral service for Pennsylvanian's age 60 years and older. 

You should be able to handle power of attorney paperwork for your father but you do want professional input to make sure you're getting it right.

JoAnn29 Jun 2019
Not sure if this is how all Unions work. My husband worked for GM, UAW,. He has a lawyer benefit. If u use a benfit lawyer u get a discount on things u need.

I really don't feel you need a specialized lawyer. Call Office of Aging and ask about Legal Aid.
worriedinCali Jun 2019
That’s definitely not how all unions work. My husband is union and cannot use the legal benefit for just anything, it’s only for work related issues (but not all). He can’t use it for anything personal such as a POA. He couldn’t even use it for workman’s comp stuff.
BarbBrooklyn Jun 2019
Call their local Area Agency on Aging. They will be able to give you advice.

Grandma1954 Jun 2019
I would strongly suggest a lawyer that is well versed in Elder Care.
They can help set up POA for Health as well as Finance. Will, Trust and start the proper background if an application needs to be made for Medicaid later.

If your Dad is a Veteran you also might want to get him established with the VA for medical and depending on when and where he served you may find he is qualified for other services. Contact a Veterans Assistance Commission Office in your area. The help is free there is no need to pay for this service.
Juliangirl1 Jun 2019
Hes not a vet and has limited funds. Tahnks for your answer
BarbBrooklyn Jun 2019
Are you asking how your father can assign someone to be his Power of Attorney? In general, you need a lawyer to draw up this document so that it is done properly.

Can you get your dad to a lawyer? Does dad have funds to pay for this?
Juliangirl1 Jun 2019
My dad and mom lives on a fixed income. They don't have any assets other than what they have in their home. I am searching for a reasonable priced and caring attorney.

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