Today’s five-year anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s death is a reminder that we all have to face end-of-life decisions, for ourselves and often for loved ones. Most of us don’t like talking about end-of-life issues. Even more of us never get around to putting a plan in writing. Then-26-year-old Terri Schiavo didn’t either. Terri was diagnosed…
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…
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…
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 your loved ones…
Planning. Most of us know we need to do it, but we put it off. And off. What if you were to be injured or become sick and unable to make decisions about your health care or manage your finances? You’d probably want your partner to step in and take care of things. Unlike married…