CURRENTS Jan 2018 | Page 15

Currents January 2018 > continued from page 14 continued on page 16 > Executive Car Service ONLINE RESERVATIONS WWW.GO-AIRPORTSHUTTLE.COM The Official Shared Ride Shuttle and Express Service of the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Int’l Airport Conveniently located curbside outside baggage claim FOR RATES AND RESERVATIONS CALL 954-561-8888 800-244-8252 Court costs. The Revocable Living Trust can be useful not only when you die, but also if you become incapaci- tated.    People mistakenly assume that a Durable Power of Attorney will cover all assets that are in the Trust. This is not true.  Most Revocable Living Trust documents include specific paragraphs regarding disability.    Typically, this language requires that two doctors state in writing that the Trustee is unable to carry on his legal affairs.    In these situations, the Successor Trustee (typically a son or daughter) will need to get written statements from two doctors and then go through legal and administrative red tape before being able to take over an asset of the Trust for the benefit of the disabled Trustee. Therefore, if you are the sole Trustee of your Trust, you should seriously consider an Amendment to your Trust adding a trusted family member or close friend as your Co-Trustee rather than your Successor Trustee.    This will allow that person to take over any asset which is in the name of your Trust, without the need for written statements from two doctors or Court intervention. If you and your spouse are Co-Trustees, but your spouse is beginning to have short term memory loss or other signs of dementia, it is wise to replace your spouse as Co-Trustee with that trusted family mem- ber or friend. If you have accounts in the name of your Trust with a bank or    brokerage, you will need to provide the Amendment to that institution. Proper documen- tation will be required (signature card, copy of dri- ver’s license, etc.) to allow your new Co-Trustee to access funds in that account. A Durable Power of Attorney is still important as a supplement to your Trust to cover all finances that are outside of the Trust, such as an IRA, life insur- ance policies and all other accounts not titled in the Trust.    The Durable Power of Attorney also covers legal matters, like signing contracts, leases and other documents on your behalf which may have nothing to do with the Trust.    For example, if you become incapacitated and need to go into an assisted living facility, the person you designate under your Durable Power of Attorney would be able to sign a lease for you. 24 Hour Advance Reservations Rates available for all local airports & seaports upon request Members of THE GO GROUP The worldwide leader in airport shuttle transportation 15