Family First: Daughter seeks legal counsel after father’s COVID-19 scare

Family First - Health Care Power of Attorney

This blog post is the first in a series of stories about how I help my clients protect their family members and assets through my services as an estate planning attorney. If you spot any similarities between these experiences and your own, please know that you can always call on me for assistance. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred many of us to act in different ways. Some have become mask-makers. Others have donated to show appreciation to frontline works. But what happens when COVID-19 hits home? That’s exactly what happened to one of my recent clients.

Mr. Phillip & Felicia’s Story

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, my office has continued to be fully operational. I’m glad to accept phone calls and video chats to serve you, your family or your patients when they need assistance.

Please call 504-456-8683 or e-mail michael@calogerolaw.com to get the conversation going.

This agreement names a person you trust to oversee your medical care and make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. In Louisiana, the person entrusted with the power of attorney is also called an “attorney-in-fact.”

Similar to the agreement described above, this document names a person you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf if or when you are unable to do so.

Completing the health care power of attorney

Felicia called my office for the guidance and legal advice she needed to best care for her dad. 

We executed a Durable Financial and Health Care Power of Attorney, appointing Felicia as Mr. Phillip’s agent and attorney-in-fact. The document signing was witnessed and notarized at my office in Metairie under social distancing and masking protocols.  

Mr. Phillip now lives in East Texas with the peace of mind that his daughter, Felicia is not only close but able to help him with health care and financial decisions.

What can we learn from an estate planning perspective?

Sometimes legal assistance can’t wait. A parent’s sudden onset of a novel virus would certainly be one of those times! That’s when people need solid legal counsel in order to move to the next phase of their lives with the help of family.

If there’s one thing you should take away from Mr. Phillip and Felicia’s story, it’s to emphasize the “planning” part of Estate Planning. While I am happy to assist my clients on an emergency basis and in times of dire need, it’s preferable to be thinking about these action items early – before you or a family member needs help.

I would like to start off by saying that attorney Michael Calogero was a blessing to me and my family during my time of grief and sorrow. Not only did he help me, but he made himself available to me at the last minute… I called him early that morning, and he was able with me before noon that same day. I would also like to add that this attorney (now my attorney ­­– and I live in Dallas, Texas) doesn’t take advantage by charging an arm and a leg for his services… Instead, he is very reasonable and will work with you if needed. Please give him a call, you will glad you did!"

– Client Testimonial
Picture of Michael Calogero

Michael Calogero

The Law Office of Michael G. Calogero is a client-focused practice based in Metairie, Louisiana. Its areas of expertise include Estate Planning, Last Wills and Testaments, Trusts, Successions, Power of Attorney Documents, Business Interruption Claims, Small Business Law, Risk Management and Loss Prevention, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury Claims and Litigation, Civil Appeals, Intra-Family Adoptions and Recognition of Foreign Adoptions. Attorney Michael Calogero provides each of his clients with personal attention; working through legal matters collaboratively for the best results. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.calogerolaw.com or call 504-456-8683.
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