Hi Everyone!
I dealt with my mother, who had named me with financial POA, medical/life POA, and will (but didn’t tell me - I found the documents, and thank heavens for that, made it possible to do what needed to be done!). I also tried with my sister, who never followed through creating needed docs, and died leaving an utter mess. So I have some experience and knowledge, BUT…
What do we need as married spouses with no children?
Do we need POAs for each other? I thought being married took care of mutual care decisions, but it seems from reading here it may not be sufficient. POAs for mutual and individual financial security? A way to force a spouse into care when it becomes necessary?
Of the next generation down (nieces and nephews), what sort of criteria would you look at for naming POAs from this age group? Some are really busy with children, or their own aging parents. How about third-party resources to handle our POAs in extreme situations? Any ideas on what to look for there?
Advanced directives? With what sort of info and statements?
Will… we have and plan to update.
I have found a local lawyer who specializes in elder care, so will be dealing with that lawyer when we are organized.
Thank you all! You have been enormously helpful in all the things I have dealt with so far with my parents and siblings.
So we need to be each-other’s durable POA? That is the part I wasn’t sure of. Being married spouses doesn’t cover that need?
Glad you will see an attorney and they will have options for you. If you meanwhile have a very close friend who would like to serve as "second" on POA if hubby unable, FOR you, or for your hubby if YOU are unable, that's an option if they agree. You would also be doing solid and good Advance Directives with your attorney with each of you acting for the other if the other cannot act, and which should also have a "second" listed.