How to Keep Your Traditional Wedding Vows While Being Prepared for Potential Legal Issues in the Future

Taking the Vows

Traditional wedding vows are declarations of wives and husbands to each other to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.  It is the “until death do us part” that holds the potential to legal challenge. 

What happens during the passing decades when one or the other experiences diminished capacity from injury or medical condition?  Some couples discover much too late after one or the other has become incapacitated, decisions requiring joint legal action cannot take place.

A couple owns property they have shared more than 20 - 30 years.  One develops Alzheimer Disease and can no longer legally act in their best interests because of diminished capacity.

Dependent on the State of Residence, this can become complicated at a time when access to resources and proceeds from disposition of holdings is important.  This can generate burden at a time already challenging enough.

David Weed in his column, Your Home and the Law directs couples to have in place, “durable financial powers of attorney”.  This will allow the well spouse to act in the interests of the family by signing important documents.

For more information, consult David by email or send Questions by email  or visit blogs.