201806.20
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Should Drivers Always Hire Legal Counsel for Traffic Tickets?

Some drivers are offended after receiving a traffic ticket and desire to remove it from their record at all costs.  Still others never think of hiring legal counsel and just pay the ticket because someone has informed them one or two tickets won’t harm their insurance premiums or driving privileges.  Our firm represented traffic clients…

201804.23
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Do Older Adults Have Too Many Possessions?

“Your peers will respect you for your integrity and character, not your possessions.”  David Robinson  But if possessions are temporary and do not reflect the character of man, why are so many older Americans swimming in them?  The overabundance of personal property is troubling when you consider many older adults live on limited or fixed…

201803.13
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Should We be Concerned Our Political Leaders are Aging?

Seniors play a vital role in our everyday lives.  They contribute to our economy by purchasing items, paying taxes and employing service industry professionals.  Their ability to care for grandchildren and other family members allows others to work full-time and achieve their goals in life.  Seniors also volunteer at a pace on par with most…

201801.02
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Durable Power of Attorney v. Springing Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is “a written document in which one person (the principal) appoints another person to act as an agent on his or her behalf, thus conferring authority on the agent to perform certain acts or functions on behalf of the principal” according to The Free Dictionary by Farlex.  Powers of attorney…

201711.27
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The Merits of an Advance Healthcare Directive (Living Will) and a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR)

Death is an inevitable part of life. Many of us are reluctant to face that fact but the last time I checked, none of us will live forever; therefore, planning for end-of-life events is not only prudent, but it is also an excellent way to protect the assets you obtained during your lifetime and a…

201711.09
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Estate Planning for Non-Traditional Families

The 2010 Census revealed that the traditional nuclear family, a family with married, heterosexual parents and two children, has disappeared at an alarming rate. What a drastic change from just sixty years ago when shows like “Father Knows Best” reflected family values where the male was the figurehead and the wife and kids supported him…

201709.27
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Should Missouri Seniors Own Pets?

Controversial as it may be, the question should be asked…is it wise for Missouri Seniors to own pets? According to a 2011 Harris Poll, 62% of Americans own a pet. Estimates published by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicate there are a staggering 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats owned in the United…

201609.13
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Bucket List for Seniors Before the End of 2016

“A man should not leave this earth with unfinished business.  He should live each day as if it was a pre-flight check.  He should ask each morning, am I prepared for lift-off?”  Diane Frolov and Andrew Scheider, Northern Exposure, All is Vanity, 1991. According to the legal resource FindLaw.com, approximately 55% of American do not…

201607.05
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VA Annuity Scam – Beware Seniors

One question asked of all seniors entering a residential care facility is “did you or your spouse ever serve in the military?”  If the applicant responds “yes,” then the facility may be eligible for up to $2,837.00 per month from the Department of Veterans Affairs towards the cost of his or her care.  The benefit…

201601.29
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Elder Law Attorneys – Who are They and Do You Need One?

Who Are They?  In its 2015 National Lawyer Population by State report, the American Bar Association indicated there were 25,337 attorneys in Missouri.  Before you think that indicates we have more than enough attorneys, please note the ABA also reported that 11,656 of those attorneys are “Idle Attorneys” or those who are licensed and on…