Elder Law

There's often someone standing by to assist when you're born, so why shouldn't there be someone there to assist you when you die? That's the concept behind the services of an end-of-life doula or midwife. Thanks to the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act, this state is...

When scammers cast their nets for victims, they often target the elderly, whom they perceive as easy prey. But many senior citizens are defrauded out of their life's savings not by snake oil salesmen but by their own loved ones and relatives. Spotting financial abuse...

Everyone hopes for a dignified death -- but what that means from one person to the next is different. That's why advance directives were created. Given the vast capacity to prolong life through medical intervention in today's world, it's necessary for people to say...

You took a smart step and gave a trusted relative or friend your health care power of attorney -- which is excellent. But, did you sit down and discuss exactly what your wishes are? All too often, people assume that their health care proxies know what they want -- and...

A power of attorney (POA) grants someone the power to act on your behalf, with all of the decision-making capability that you normally have. POAs can be drafted for both medical and financial concerns and are often used by people to manage the affairs of their...

If you watch a lot of television dramas, you might think that everyone who has a will has a lawyer looking after it -- or, at the very least, a wall safe where it can be kept away from prying eyes and meddlesome relatives. In reality, that's not how it usually works....

Advance directives are legal documents that help you retain control over your last days. Advance directives include medical powers of attorney, living wills and -- at least for some people -- do not resuscitate orders (DNRs). In Colorado, DNRs are commonly called...

When parents get older, it's only natural for adult children to step in and start to make arrangements for their care. Unfortunately, a family civil war can easily get started when the adult kids can't agree on how to care for their elderly parents. Why do adult...

What happens when an elderly loved one needs someone to handle his or her financial affairs as a conservator? What if they also need someone to take charge of their day-to-day welfare as a legal guardian? Is it better to have a family member of a professional handle...