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In This Issue
Legal News
 Adding a Gifting Rider to a Comprehensive Power of Attorney May Assist During Catastrophic Events
Establishing a Pet Trust Will Protect Your Furry Friend
Benefits of Establishing a Comprehensive Power of Attorney
The Fundamentals of Capacity when Executing a Will
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The Rights of a Terminally Ill Patient to End His or Her Own Life
When doctors notify patients of a grave prognosis, they typically do their best to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible and lives out the rest of his or her days according to their wishes. Many of those who have suffered from a terminal illness for so long welcome death, and sometimes even wish to speed up the process with life-ending medication. This practice is controversial in that some view it as murder, or going against nature, while others believe it to be showing mercy by ending the patient’s suffering.
A Person May Execute a First-Party Supplemental Needs Trust
A person under 65 years old may create a first party supplemental needs trust for income in excess of the monthly amount allowed by Medicaid. A person is entitled to fund this trust until the age of 65 years old and will be entitled to the resources in the trust until he or she dies. Furthermore, a first party supplemental needs trust allows a person to designate a trustee to make payments on his or her behalf. It is worth noting that a trustee may be limited to the powers enumerated in the trust terms and conditions. Therefore, a person may choose to expand a trustee’s power or limit his or her power by setting forth-specific guidelines.
Executor Compensation Can Be Previously Decided Upon
An executor of an estate is the person named to act on behalf of the decedent. An executor has a fiduciary duty to ensure that the decedent’s wishes for the disposition of property and assets are carried out accordingly. In addition, the executor is responsible for the administrative process of an estate, including paying taxes and creditors.He or she must perform the following duties and responsibilities, among others:
- Probating the Last Will and Testament;
- Marshalling assets;
- Managing property;
- Maintaining all necessary records;
- Paying creditors;
- Filing estate tax returns;
- Preparing accounting reports; and
- Distributing assets to the intended beneficiaries.
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Business in Same-Sex Wedding Cake Matter
On June 4, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor a Colorado baker who invoked his religious rights and refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. The ruling was 7-2. However, the court’s decision did not resolve the larger issue of whether or not business owners can refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals based on religious beliefs alone.
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