Put It in Writing to Avoid Disputes

If you and your siblings are squabbling over who should pay for specific costs when it comes to your parent's care, consider drafting what elder law attorneys refer to as a memorandum of understanding, a written agreement specifying how you and your siblings will split up the workload -- and the cost -- involved in caring for your parent. Although it's not meant to replace a power of attorney document, a memorandum of understanding can help your family keep squabbling to a minimum by laying out in writing everything, from who is responsible for taking Mom to doctors' appointments to who will pay for nursing home care if she eventually needs it. You don't necessarily need an attorney to draft the agreement, but it can be a smart idea to consult with an elder law attorney, a geriatric care manager, or another neutral third party to make sure that everyone is satisfied with the plan.

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Definition of Elder Law

The area of legal practice that focuses on those issues affecting the growing aging population.

See Also

1. Elder Law Related Content
2. Legal