Legal Planning: Tools for Empowering Older Adults, Aging Caregivers and

People with Disabilities

Loretta Morris Williams, J.D., CELA Senior Associate Attorney, HALE BALL, PLC

Rikki S. Epstein, M.Ed.

Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia

Erica Wood, J.D. Assistant Director, ABA Commission

on Law and Aging

Sally Balch Hurme, J.D. Consultant and Author

What are the transition points for parents and caregivers of

individuals with disabilities?

How prepared are parents and caregivers of adult children with disabilities in

planning for the care of their loved one when they are no longer able to provide it?

What elements should be in the future plan for the whole family?

What are the challenges when trying to talk about what will happen when one or both parents are gone?

How do you start these important conversations? How do you include the son or daughter, other family

members and future caregivers?

In addition to being a “parent” or “child,” there may be other legal roles. Let’s talk about each one to explain what it is, the responsibilities that come with the role,

how best to involve the individual in decisions that need to be made, and how to transfer that role to another.

Health Care Power of Attorney

Financial Power of Attorney

Representative Payee

Trustee

Guardian / Conservator

What is supported decision making and how does it influence all of these

other types of legal roles?

Why is it important for aging parents of individuals with disabilities to do

advance planning?

What do aging parents especially need to consider when creating

their estate plan?

What special resources are available to those who have the responsibility to manage someone else’s money?

How would Family Caregivers be useful to aging parents and/or

future caregivers?

Where can parents and families find an attorney to help with planning and

getting their legal documents in order?

What are examples of partnerships and outreach activities that have been

established to share information about these critical topics to parents and caregivers?

Questions?