LEGALLLY SPEAKING
by Amanda Roggenbuck

This month I wanted to write a column about the necessity of picking someone you trust when planning your estate. While most people have good intentions, there are some who will take advantage of you when you need their help the most. I am an advocate of having your affairs in order and putting people in place who can help you manage your necessities such as bills, and medical care when you need it most; that being said it is imperative the people you put in place must be trustworthy and honest.

As I said most people have good intentions but that is not always the case. Be cautious of someone who seeks you out and volunteers to take a position that allows them access to your finances. Make sure the person you choose to deal with your finances has a strong ability to manage money and can provide you documentation of their ability. Some of the important questions to ask follow:

• Do they bounce checks often?
• Have they defaulted on mortgages or filed bankruptcy recently?
• Do they have money judgments against them?
• Do they have spending or gambling addiction?
• Do they frequently try to borrow money from you?

Additionally, it is important to ask other questions when you are seeking a person to serve as your patient advocate. That is seeking a person to enforce your medical decisions when you are unable to enforce them yourself. Some of the important questions to ask follow:

• Do they have a religious conviction that would not allow them to abide by your wishes?
• Are they able to get to a hospital in a timely manner to assist you in an emergency?
• Are they easily reachable, in case of an emergency?
• Are they comfortable with your choices about organ donation and life support?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask potential power of attorneys. This is by no means an inclusive list of questions, and for every person their may be additional questions you should have answered; this list is meant to help you start your search for the right individuals to assist you with very important financial and medical decisions

As always we welcome your questions and comments; keep them coming. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail them to us at aroggenbuck@roggenbuckandassociates.com. While you are e-mailing us stop by our Web site at www.roggenbuckandassociates.com.

Amanda Roggenbuck can be reached at her Cass City office at 989-872-8881, with office hours Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Amanda would be happy to answer your questions in this column, and will address them as space allows. Please send your questions to editor@lakeshoreguardian.com or by mail to The Lakeshore Guardian, P.O. Box 6, Harbor Beach, MI 48441.