Getting up to speed on legal matters

The second Senior Dilemma Forum on legal issues took place on June 24 at Yad Lebanim in Raanana. Over 100 people attended, making the evening a sell-out event.

Maddy Levine, originator and organizer of the Senior Dilemma Forum, introduced the event and presented Deborah Opolion, a lawyer licensed in both the USA and in Israel, who led the evening.

Deborah explained the importance of comprehensive estate planning, to cover both financial assets and healthcare. A comprehensive Israeli estate plan includes an Israeli will (without which Israeli inheritance law will apply), and a foreign will or trust when there are assets outside Israel. Estate planning also includes items such as a Living Will and a healthcare Power of Attorney, as well as instructions under the Advanced Healthcare Directive (2005 Dying Patient Law).

All these issues are very sensitive, and it is easy to put off any discussion about them. However, if the right documents are not available when needed, this can create major problems at a time when families are in any case under great stress.

Deborah emphasized the fact that the information she was giving was an overview, and she strongly recommended taking legal advice to deal with individual cases.

A Q&A session ended a most interesting and informative evening. Attendees were given a handout outlining the key issues that had been covered and providing further internet resources. The presentation and handout are available on www.opolionlaw.com.

The Senior Dilemma Forum provides information to English speakers on how best to access services when you or your loved ones can no longer take care of themselves. The next Senior Dilemma Forum will cover acquiring and managing caregivers and making decisions about residential facilities for seniors.

For further information watch the ESRA calendar or call the office on 09 950 8371.