Tag: death

Conference Call: 10 Questions to Consider When Preparing for the Passing of a Loved One

Death represents a significant and vulnerable point in time for both the individual facing it and his or her loved ones. In the medical field, it is even associated with failure; only five out of 125 medical schools (4%) in the country offer a course on death and dying. This negative stigma means that what should be accepted as a natural part of life, often becomes an uncomfortable topic.

However, it is important to talk about death with loved ones. There are emotional benefits to reflecting on a life spent together, and expressing gratitude and admiration. It is also important to ask difficult questions so that this topic receives adequate attention and preparation. While everyone would prefer to focus on life, a significant amount of stress related to death can be reduced by proper planning.

Press play to hear McManus & Associates Founding Principal John O. McManus explain his 10 recommendations below for getting the best end-of-life care:

 

1. Know your options – What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

2. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s – Are all the necessary legal documents in order?

3. Broach the subject – Have you had a discussion with your loved one to understand what his or her wishes are?

4. Nail down the timeline – When does your loved one want end-of-life care to begin?

5. Research reputation – Have you discovered all that you can about the potential care facilities that you are considering?

6. Find out who is behind the mask – How well do you know your loved one’s care providers?

7. Do your due diligence – Have you done your own research? Have you asked care providers to tell you what you can do to help? Have you explored all of the factors that could influence your decision?

8. Learn the ins and outs – Is in-patient or out-patient care best for your loved one and family?

9. Prepare Plan B – Do you have a backup plan?

10. Ask for help – Could your loved one and family benefit from counseling?

For guidance on ensuring that your estate plan reflects your wishes for life and death, contact McManus & Associates at 908-898-0100.

McManus Interview Inspires New Jersey Newsroom Column: “Who Inherits Dad’s Subscription to Giants’ Football Games?”

New Jersey Newsroom Columnist Warren Boroson (“Boroson on Money”) has a new, interesting piece on how to avoid fighting over family heirlooms and personal property after the death of a loved one. The column hinges on McManus & Associates’ recent conference call on the topic, which you can listen to here. Following the call, Boroson spoke with the firm’s Founding Principal and top AV-rated Attorney John O. McManus to gather more details. The result, “Who Inherits Dad’s Subscription to Giants’ Football Games?” is worth checking out.

Here’s a peek:

Who gets dad’s subscription to New York Giants football games – worth a ton of money? Who gets the little silhouettes someone made of all the family members? Who gets grandma’s expensive jewelry? Who gets Fido and the Chairman Meow and other family pets? What about liquor collections, gun collections, rare books, and other “non-titled property”?

A will may not specify who gets such property, with the result that the heirs may wind up fighting over trivial stuff – and expensive stuff. And the resentment may last the rest of their lives. A little planning, says lawyer John O. McManus of McManus & Associates in New Providence, can prevent a lot of hard feelings and family feuds. “Things, personal effects, closely-held assets and land can cause significant fighting among loved ones and oftentimes attorneys give hardly any attention to such items in the creation of legal documents,” McManus warns.

To read the whole thing, head over to New Jersey Newsroom: http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/economy/who-inherits-dads-subscription-to-giants-football-games