Sadly, it is all too common that elderly persons fall victim to abuse. Whether it is physical, emotional, or financial abuse, the vulnerability of older individuals makes them easy targets for such ill-treatment. Financial abuse is a difficult type of abuse to recognize and can be easily overlooked because there are not always blatant signs of it.
In many divorces, couples take matters to court seek resolution. Each side usually has a lawyer. Depending on the circumstances, fighting may continue/increase and communication may become non-existent.
Every year as the weather warms, it is not uncommon to spend far more time outdoors. This is especially true of people with pets. Pet owners can be found walking their dogs around town, playing with their dogs in the parks, taking their dogs to the beach and even bringing their pets to eat at restaurants with outdoor seating areas. With this increased socialization also comes an increased risk.
Your home is probably your most valuable material asset, and you have undoubtedly put a lot of your time, money and care into it. Unfortunately, any combination of setbacks, from illness to job loss, can leave you suddenly unable to keep up with your mortgage payments and facing the possibility of foreclosure.
I am often surprised at how few people including professionals and executives have met with an attorney and drafted Wills, Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorneys in the event they or a family member get sick or have a terrible accident and cannot speak for themselves, or die.
You probably have seen television or movie depictions of courtrooms, so you may expect your Social Security disability hearing to take place in a big, old courthouse with lots of pomp and circumstance.