Olmsted Falls, OH asked in Estate Planning, Health Care Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio

Q: My mom has stage 4 lung cancer. I am her only living relative. How do I plan for estate, financial, health care, etc….

This all came up sudden but my mom has stage 4 lung cancer with Mets. I am her only living relative. From a legal aspect what do I need to start doing to get her affairs in order? I am very new to this and not sure what to do. She does have a will with me as executive. She does not have a living will. I do not have power of attorney for health care, and not on bank account. Just very confused about this entire process.

2 Lawyer Answers
Moshe Toron
Moshe Toron
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: You should contact an attorney who can help you set up a financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney.

That way, you can manage her affairs while she is alive.

A will only takes effect upon death.

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Cuyahoga Falls, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: I'm sorry for the situation you find yourself in. An estate planning attorney will be able to assist you throughout the process. The lawyers on this forum are not permitted to say, "sure I can help, call me" for example. You need to initiate direct contact with the attorney.

As for what needs to be done, it depends on the details. You need to get Healthcare and financial powers of attorney, maybe check and ensure the Will is up to date with current law, look at real estate titles, bank accounts, investments, motor vehicles etc. For specific answers a detailed analysis is needed.

Best of luck.

Mary Ellen Leslie agrees with this answer

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