A NEW BOOK MAY BE THOUGHT PROVOKING & ENGAGING
We do not often encounter books that provide thought-provoking and insightful advice regarding legal matters, where the authors do not also try to provide arm chair legal advice.
A new book, Fifty and Beyond: The Law You and Your Parents Need to Know, is one of those books.
The authors are quick to say that they have not prepared a legal self-help book. Instead, what they have done is to provide an accurate source of information and an early review source for legal issues that mature persons may want to review and seek legal advice about.
The book is written by law professor Kenney Hegland and Allan Bogutz, an elder law attorney. What is interesting about this volume, is that the authors present a reader-friendly book on many issues that are difficult to speak about and transcend the boundaries of the attorney-client discussion on estate planning and elder care issues. Many topics are covered, including retirement planning concerning money, medical care and housing; there is a chapter on family concerns, including visitation and custody rights of grandparents; there is a section regarding anti-discrimination laws, bill collectors and con-artists; there is, of course, a portion of the book devoted to putting one=s affairs in order, including wills, living wills, powers of attorney and trusts; and, there are sections dealing with mental and physical disabilities, and getting and giving help.
The authors stress the advantages of talking openly to family and friends about all of these issues before one dies or before one has a terminal illness or becomes unable to handle their affairs on their own. The book is published by Carolina Economic Press, and is an interesting addition to your reading library.
Marc D. Sherman
This article is intended to highlight areas of interest for our clients and others. It is not intended to be legal advice and it is not a substitute for advice and consultation with your lawyer.