Author Archives: Kara Daley

Guardianship Basics

In Oregon, every adult is assumed to be capable of making their own decisions unless a court determines that the individual is incompetent. If an adult is incapable of making responsible decisions due to a mental disability, the court may … Continue reading

Posted in Elder Law | Comments Off on Guardianship Basics

DOT Guidance for Travelers with Support Animals

DOT has provided some much-needed guidance on airlines’ responsibilities to accommodate support animals. Unlike service animals, which must be trained and are certified to assist people with disabilities, emotional support animals are not required to have undergone such training.  Support … Continue reading

Posted in Pet Law | Comments Off on DOT Guidance for Travelers with Support Animals

Probate: Basic Steps

Probate is often consider an insurmountable feat with untenable complexity- however, I jokingly tell my clients that’s California NOT Oregon. Oregon Probate is a series of relatively straight forward steps that must be taken in a particular order. The complexity … Continue reading

Posted in Probate | Comments Off on Probate: Basic Steps

Probate: Initial Considerations

After a loved one has died, family often believes they must immediately contact an attorney to start legal proceedings. Although I believe it is important to take a few minutes to talk to people under such circumstance, as an attorney … Continue reading

Posted in Probate | Comments Off on Probate: Initial Considerations

Unfinished Business: The Problems of Procrastination & Estate Planning

According to the court documents, legendary singer Aretha Franklin did not have a will or trust when she died, despite reportedly having a son, Clarence, with special needs. The lack of an estate plan opens up the intensely private singer’s … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning | Comments Off on Unfinished Business: The Problems of Procrastination & Estate Planning

Will your Family have to pay your debts when you Die?

When you die, your debts do not die with you. However, your estate, is usually the first in line to pay any debts you leave behind. Your estate is made up of any money or property left in your name … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning | Comments Off on Will your Family have to pay your debts when you Die?

Contribute to ABLE Accounts via a gift card.

Gift certificates can be a convenient and appreciated way to celebrate and mark a special occasion. But until recently, it has been difficult to give gift certificates to individuals with special needs for fear of compromising their SSI, Medicaid or … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning | Comments Off on Contribute to ABLE Accounts via a gift card.

New National Plan to Support Caregivers

The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (“RAISE”) Family Caregivers Act was signed into law on January 22, 2018.  Although no funds have yet been allocated to support this program, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on New National Plan to Support Caregivers

Can Special Needs Trusts Reimburse Travel Expenses?

Everyone is familiar with the high cost of travel and the difficulties of staying in touch with distant family.  But families of people with special needs often face high travel expenses from medical emergencies, unforeseen circumstances or constant care taking. … Continue reading

Posted in Estate Planning | Comments Off on Can Special Needs Trusts Reimburse Travel Expenses?

Final Tax Bill Expands Medical Deductions

Federal law allowed families with medical expenses exceeding 10 percent of their adjusted gross incomes to deduct certain medical expenses from their income taxes, provided that they itemize their deductions. For the two months leading up to passage of the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Final Tax Bill Expands Medical Deductions