We get a lot of calls at the office about drafting wills, but no one ever calls about powers of attorney. Also, we have lots of clients that come in with a poorly drafted will that was done by some cheap lawyer or by the client himself, but give me a blank stare when I ask about powers of attorney. If you take nothing else from this post, please remember this: IF YOU PLAN FOR DEATH ONLY (AND NOT DISABILITY) YOU HAVE ONLY DONE HALF THE JOB.
I read somewhere that people under 40 years old are 4 times more likely to be disabled than to die. Therefore, if you only plan for death (i.e. a will), you are missing out on 80% of your legal need.
So what is a Medical Power of Attorney? It is a short document that gives an individual you designate the right to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are unable to make them for yourself. Typically, medical powers of attorney your doctor to be the one that certifies (in writing) that you are unable to make the decision.
So why do I need one? Your appointee (attorney-in-fact) will be the one to sign surgical consent forms, admit you to a hospital, and make key medical decisions. It is much better to have decided on one person you trust to make a decision than to have your family members arguing in the hospital hallway about what you would have wanted done. I have so many stories that I could tell you about family squabbles that could have been avoided with this simple document.
So what is the cost? This varies from state to state and attorney to attorney, but it really should take no more than an hour for an attorney to draft one. Most estate planning attorneys have some flat fee will package that includes a will and disability planning documents (medical power of attorney and others).
As always, please feel free to contact us through our website (www.BrazosLawyers.com) if we can be of assistance.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Starting to blog
After much fits and starts, we are now entering the world of blogging. We hope that our future posts will give some basic information about various areas of the law that would be of interest to our clients and the public at large. Please check back for updated posts.
As always, please feel free to contact us through our website (www.BrazosLawyers.com) if we can be of assistance.
As always, please feel free to contact us through our website (www.BrazosLawyers.com) if we can be of assistance.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
In The News: Chris Peterson
Here's another recent story about Chris Peterson from The Eagle.
"Peterson says multiple roles do not lead to conflict"
By HOLLY HUFFMAN, Eagle Staff Writer
When Paul Marvin Jr. decided to run for a seat on the College Station City Council, he hired Chris Peterson to serve as his political consultant. The selection of Peterson, Marvin said, would free him to meet with voters and discuss issues while Peterson handled the myriad details that accompany campaigns: crafting letters to voters, designing signs and sending press releases to the media. "He's there to guide and advise," Marvin said of Peterson. "The benefit is that he's seen many of these campaigns."
Bryan school board president and business council member Chris Peterson has helped guide at least nine candidates seeking municipal or county elective office this year. Marvin is one of many political hopefuls who have turned to Peterson for guidance on how to put together a campaign. Last year, Peterson was instrumental in the bitterly contested - and successful - campaigns of Ron Gay and Chris Scotti for seats on the College Station City Council.
Peterson, 34, also was the consultant for Jason Bienski's successful Bryan City Council campaign last year. That relationship came under some criticism after the councilman voted last fall to support a project that Peterson touted before the City Council. The city has been asked to invest future tax revenue in the project. Both Peterson and Bienski maintain there was no conflict of interest. Peterson, who said he intentionally keeps a low profile in the campaigns he guides, has been involved in the political organizations of at least nine candidates seeking municipal or county elective office so far this year. He wields significant influence as president of the Bryan school board and as a member of the Bryan Business Council, a panel appointed by the Bryan City Council.
Click here for the full article.
"Peterson says multiple roles do not lead to conflict"
By HOLLY HUFFMAN, Eagle Staff Writer
When Paul Marvin Jr. decided to run for a seat on the College Station City Council, he hired Chris Peterson to serve as his political consultant. The selection of Peterson, Marvin said, would free him to meet with voters and discuss issues while Peterson handled the myriad details that accompany campaigns: crafting letters to voters, designing signs and sending press releases to the media. "He's there to guide and advise," Marvin said of Peterson. "The benefit is that he's seen many of these campaigns."
Bryan school board president and business council member Chris Peterson has helped guide at least nine candidates seeking municipal or county elective office this year. Marvin is one of many political hopefuls who have turned to Peterson for guidance on how to put together a campaign. Last year, Peterson was instrumental in the bitterly contested - and successful - campaigns of Ron Gay and Chris Scotti for seats on the College Station City Council.
Peterson, 34, also was the consultant for Jason Bienski's successful Bryan City Council campaign last year. That relationship came under some criticism after the councilman voted last fall to support a project that Peterson touted before the City Council. The city has been asked to invest future tax revenue in the project. Both Peterson and Bienski maintain there was no conflict of interest. Peterson, who said he intentionally keeps a low profile in the campaigns he guides, has been involved in the political organizations of at least nine candidates seeking municipal or county elective office so far this year. He wields significant influence as president of the Bryan school board and as a member of the Bryan Business Council, a panel appointed by the Bryan City Council.
Click here for the full article.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
In The News: Chris Peterson
Another recent story from The Eagle about Chris Peterson:
"Bryan weighs options on TIF"
By APRIL AVISON, Eagle Staff Writer
Bryan officials say they are weighing the potential benefits of investing more than $7 million in a planned senior citizens development on William Joel Bryan Parkway and Villa Maria Road.
While the development itself would be beneficial, city officials agreed, some said they aren't certain whether it's necessary to take the risk required when creating a tax increment financing district, also known as a TIF.
"We're looking at expanding commercial and residential development," Councilman Jason Bienski said. "Anytime there's that opportunity, I'm willing to look at it if it makes financial sense for the taxpayers."
Whether it makes financial sense is a question the council hopes to answer at its Nov. 22 meeting, at which a public hearing will be held on the proposed financing district.
The request came from Burton Creek Development Limited, a group of local investors that already has started building the first phase of the seniors-only residential development Briar Meadows. Fifty-eight homes are being built along Broadmoor Drive, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $200,000.
Few details have been released about the Burton Creek Development company by Chris Peterson, the attorney representing it.
"As is the case with almost all real estate ventures involving investors, Burton Creek Development Limited was formed to handle this project only," Peterson said. "However, the investors and principals involved in the development have over 75 years of experience in developments of this nature."
Click here for the full article.
"Bryan weighs options on TIF"
By APRIL AVISON, Eagle Staff Writer
Bryan officials say they are weighing the potential benefits of investing more than $7 million in a planned senior citizens development on William Joel Bryan Parkway and Villa Maria Road.
While the development itself would be beneficial, city officials agreed, some said they aren't certain whether it's necessary to take the risk required when creating a tax increment financing district, also known as a TIF.
"We're looking at expanding commercial and residential development," Councilman Jason Bienski said. "Anytime there's that opportunity, I'm willing to look at it if it makes financial sense for the taxpayers."
Whether it makes financial sense is a question the council hopes to answer at its Nov. 22 meeting, at which a public hearing will be held on the proposed financing district.
The request came from Burton Creek Development Limited, a group of local investors that already has started building the first phase of the seniors-only residential development Briar Meadows. Fifty-eight homes are being built along Broadmoor Drive, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $200,000.
Few details have been released about the Burton Creek Development company by Chris Peterson, the attorney representing it.
"As is the case with almost all real estate ventures involving investors, Burton Creek Development Limited was formed to handle this project only," Peterson said. "However, the investors and principals involved in the development have over 75 years of experience in developments of this nature."
Click here for the full article.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
In the News: Chris Peterson
Another story about Chris Peterson in The Eagle:
"Bryan council to review perks of tax district"
By APRIL AVISON, Eagle Staff Writer
Bryan can "jump-start development" along William Joel Bryan Parkway and Villa Maria Road, so long as the City Council is willing to invest $7.5 million into a tax increment financing district, an attorney for a local developer told city officials Tuesday.
Bryan Mayor Ernie Wentrcek said after attorney Chris Peterson's presentation that he has asked the city manager and staff members to look into the potential benefits for the city before the council commits to creating the financing district, also known as a TIF.
Click here for the full article.
"Bryan council to review perks of tax district"
By APRIL AVISON, Eagle Staff Writer
Bryan can "jump-start development" along William Joel Bryan Parkway and Villa Maria Road, so long as the City Council is willing to invest $7.5 million into a tax increment financing district, an attorney for a local developer told city officials Tuesday.
Bryan Mayor Ernie Wentrcek said after attorney Chris Peterson's presentation that he has asked the city manager and staff members to look into the potential benefits for the city before the council commits to creating the financing district, also known as a TIF.
Click here for the full article.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
In The News: Chris Peterson
Here is another recent article about Chris Peterson from The Eagle:
"Bryan ISD’s agent of change"
By HOLLY HUFFMAN, Eagle Staff Writer
A little more than two years ago, Chris Peterson set his sights on the Bryan school board. He ran unopposed and quietly slipped into office. That may have been Peterson’s last low-key moment on the panel.
The 33-year-old father of two quickly has become known among his fellow board members for his willingness to speak his mind as, he said, he pushes for change for the better. Two years into what he has said will be his first and only term on the board, Peterson has assumed a new role — president of the board.“
Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of not being able to keep my opinion to myself,” Peterson joked during a recent interview at his College Station law office. “I like setting out a pretty high goal and trying to come up with ways to accomplish it.”
Peterson, who was named board president last month, appears relaxed in his office, discussing accomplishments from his first two years in office and plans for the next 12 months.
Leaning against the wall behind him are a handful of bright blue yard signs used earlier this year to promote the Bryan school district’s $104 million bond package. Autographed by trustees and top administrators in the Bryan school system, they almost could serve as trophies for what Peterson considers his proudest accomplishment yet — getting voters to pass the bond issue.
Click here for the full article.
"Bryan ISD’s agent of change"
By HOLLY HUFFMAN, Eagle Staff Writer
A little more than two years ago, Chris Peterson set his sights on the Bryan school board. He ran unopposed and quietly slipped into office. That may have been Peterson’s last low-key moment on the panel.
The 33-year-old father of two quickly has become known among his fellow board members for his willingness to speak his mind as, he said, he pushes for change for the better. Two years into what he has said will be his first and only term on the board, Peterson has assumed a new role — president of the board.“
Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of not being able to keep my opinion to myself,” Peterson joked during a recent interview at his College Station law office. “I like setting out a pretty high goal and trying to come up with ways to accomplish it.”
Peterson, who was named board president last month, appears relaxed in his office, discussing accomplishments from his first two years in office and plans for the next 12 months.
Leaning against the wall behind him are a handful of bright blue yard signs used earlier this year to promote the Bryan school district’s $104 million bond package. Autographed by trustees and top administrators in the Bryan school system, they almost could serve as trophies for what Peterson considers his proudest accomplishment yet — getting voters to pass the bond issue.
Click here for the full article.
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
In The News: Chris Peterson
Here's another article about Chris Peterson from The Eagle:
"Second Bryan high school is discussed"
By CHRISTOPHER FERRELL, Eagle Staff Writer
Several Bryan school trustees on Monday voiced support for a second high school and asked the district to look into the possibility of converting Jane Long Middle School into a ninth- through 12th-grade campus.The recommendation sprung from a conversation dealing with future growth, but officials said they would not move forward with plans for an additional high school until further studies are done.
Board member Chris Peterson raised the idea of expanding the middle school, saying it would be cheaper than building a new high school from the ground up. No price tag was put on the proposal late Monday.
Smaller campuses, such as elementary schools or middle schools, are traditionally less expensive to build than high schools.Jane Long, which sits on the city’s northwest side, is built on about 50 acres of land — the amount needed to build a high school, Peterson said. “The time is now to really start looking at another high school,” he said. “I think it would give us a high school in an area of town that greatly needs one. We already have a high school in the southeast part of town.”
Click here for full article.
"Second Bryan high school is discussed"
By CHRISTOPHER FERRELL, Eagle Staff Writer
Several Bryan school trustees on Monday voiced support for a second high school and asked the district to look into the possibility of converting Jane Long Middle School into a ninth- through 12th-grade campus.The recommendation sprung from a conversation dealing with future growth, but officials said they would not move forward with plans for an additional high school until further studies are done.
Board member Chris Peterson raised the idea of expanding the middle school, saying it would be cheaper than building a new high school from the ground up. No price tag was put on the proposal late Monday.
Smaller campuses, such as elementary schools or middle schools, are traditionally less expensive to build than high schools.Jane Long, which sits on the city’s northwest side, is built on about 50 acres of land — the amount needed to build a high school, Peterson said. “The time is now to really start looking at another high school,” he said. “I think it would give us a high school in an area of town that greatly needs one. We already have a high school in the southeast part of town.”
Click here for full article.
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