Monthly Archives: December 2009

Tool # 3 in the Life Planning Toolbox – the Living Will

What are your wishes if you are in a persistent vegetative state or have a terminal condition, and death is imminent?
Do you feel strongly about resuscitation, insertion tubes or other life-sustaining procedures?
How do you best ensure that your wishes are honored?

A Living Will is not a last will and testament.  It is a written statement [...]

Tool # 2 in the Life Planning Toolbox – Financial Power of Attorney

You’re critically injured or seriously ill.  Or for some other reason you can’t handle your financial matters.
Do you have a plan in place?
Who will take care of paying your bills?
How will your paycheck or other checks get cashed?

In Illinois this document is known as a power of attorney for property.  It’s also known as a [...]

Tool # 1 in the Life Plan Toolbox – Medical Power of Attorney

You are in a serious accident or are sick enough to be hospitalized – you can’t make medical decisions for yourself.
Who will make decisions when the doctors ask?
Without the proper legal document, the first relative who arrives at the hospital may be called upon to make critical and personal medical decisions.
In one case, hospital staff [...]

Life Planning – Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender People and People Living With HIV

As an LGBT person or a person living with HIV, do you have a Life Plan Toolbox? Would you get into a boat going out on Lake Michigan without a life preserver? Would you let your loved one do so? If your answer is no, then why would you allow you and [...]