Connecticut Estate Planning Attorneys Blog

May 11, 2022

Is it Okay to Say No to Becoming a Power of Attorney? Yes!

Someone has asked you to be their power of attorney – but you’re concerned. How do you respond?

Becoming someone’s agent under a power of attorney is not something to be undertaken lightly. It is an enormous responsibility that can potentially become a stressful and time-consuming duty.

So what exactly is a POA? When you are designated as a power of attorney, you are given the power to make decisions on behalf of the “principal” (the person executing the power of attorney) in case the principal should become incapacitated. Your role as the agent is to make choices and take actions to manage the principal’s affairs based on what you believe the principal would have done themselves. In other words, put yourselves in their shoes and act as they would on a situational basis.

May 4, 2022

How to Preserve Family History, One Photo at a Time

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

By Jill Brightman

As a child, one of my favorite past times was sorting through my family’s old, black and white photographs that had been passed down from multiple generations.

I romanticized the pictures of grandfather, in his World War II military uniform, and my grandmother, his young bride. I chuckled at looking at my own father as a gawky teen and was awestruck by looking at my great-grandparents in their turn of the century attire.

April 28, 2022

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

By Esther Corcoran

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of growing older, as many people seem to think. It is a disease that impairs memory and intellectual abilities to the point where their daily life is being affected. When people notice things in their daily life changing, there are 10 early signs to be aware of and to keep into consideration before seeking medical help.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. Memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially forgetting recently learned information. Other instances include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

April 21, 2022

New Adventures and Heartfelt Gratitude

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

By Carol Frances

I’m about to leave the best job I’ve ever had. To work longer hours. To be on my feet all day and to deal with the public. I’m parting company with the finest group of colleagues I’ve ever had the privilege to work with to embark on a journey into the unknown.

I wouldn’t blame you if you called me crazy!

April 13, 2022

5 Things You Should Know Before Applying for Medicaid in Connecticut

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Applying for Medicaid benefits can be overwhelming.

Between the paperwork, the ever-changing rules and regulations, and the inevitable waiting game that you’re up against, there’s a lot you need to know.

Here is information to get you started and hopefully, to make it easier for you.

April 6, 2022

15 Tips for Saving Money on Gas

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

If you’re feeling the squeeze every time you fill up your tank, we have some time-tested tips for making the experience less painful. We can’t turn back the clock or change global events that drive dramatic price increases, but we can share some tips to help ease the blow!

On their own, each of these tips only makes a small difference, but implementing a few at a time in a collaborative way, will ultimately keep your pockets full.

1. Choose regular-grade gas.

March 23, 2022

7 Ways to Support a Recently Widowed Friend

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Losing a spouse is a devastating experience whether it happens at the end of a long illness or without any warning. In a moment, everything changes. For many, widowhood feels surreal, like the whole world has shifted slightly, leaving them standing apart from the life they used to know.

Modern culture in general, and American culture in particular, do not offer a lot of guidance for how to support someone who is grieving such a loss. This leaves many of us feeling deeply uncomfortable. In the worst cases, those awkward feelings keep us from offering the help we desperately want to provide to a friend or loved one.

We just don’t know what to do or say.

March 18, 2022

10 Good Things About Getting Older

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

Maybe it’s human nature to always want to be something other than what we are.

When we are little kids, we want to be grownups, because we think they get to do whatever they want whenever they want.

As teenagers, we crave the freedom of young adults—no curfews, no homework, finally making some money of our own.

February 24, 2022

6 Estate Planning Documents You Should Create Today

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

You can’t predict what might happen tomorrow, but there is something you can do today to help better prepare for whatever comes your way – you can get your estate plan in order.

Putting these documents in place can help ensure that not only are things done according to your intentions, but can also give you peace of mind knowing you’ve set in motion specific plans that can be implemented should the unexpected occur.

Regardless of your age or life circumstances, there are a few basic estate planning documents that every person should have in place.

February 17, 2022

33 Resources to Help Caregivers

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” –Rosalyn Carter

These prescient words by the former first lady remain as relevant and true as ever.

According to a 2020 report from the AARP:

Smart Planner Blog

1. Choose regular-grade gas.