Before a person with dementia signs a legal document:
Talk with the person.
Find out if the person with dementia understands the document and consequences of signing it. Make sure the person under the stands what is being explained and what he or she is being asked to do.
Ask for medical advice.
If you have concerns about the person’s ability understand, a doctor may be able to help determine the level of his or mental capacity.
Take inventory of existing legal documents.
Verify whether living wills, trust and powers of attorney were signed before the person was diagnosed. He or she may not remember completing them. Even if legal documents were completed in the past it is important to review them for necessary updates.
Do not delay. Dementia can progress very slowly, but sometimes very quickly. Failure to plan can lead to expensive and complex legal consequences.
Questions? The Law Office of Debra Simms is here to help. Call us today 386.256.4882
This blog post is not case-specific and is provided only for educational purposes and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Blog topics may or may not be updated and entries may be out-of-date at the time you view them.
