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James Pietsch

Some of the most difficult questions of aging—legal planning for future incapacity and, in particular, using powers of attorney as a tool—will be on the agenda at a free public Marigold Seminar titled Planning for the Future: Including the New 2014 Hawaiʻi Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA) on Tuesday, February 10, 3 p.m. in the William S. Richardson School of Law library. The event is sponsored by the University of Hawaiʻi Elder Law Program (UHELP) at the School of Law.

“We may all face a time when we can no longer make personal, legal or financial decisions for ourselves, or we just would like someone to assist us with these decisions,” said Program Director and Law Professor James Pietsch. “If we become mentally incapacitated, we especially need someone to step in on our behalf to protect our interests. We also need to find legal professionals who have expertise in dealing with incapacity issues, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Prepare for the worst, but expect the best.”

The seminar will cover:

  • Finding a “dementia-capable” attorney
  • Understanding the new power of attorney law, including its protections, limitations and risks
  • Information on how to execute powers of attorney under the new Uniform Power of Attorney Act, and the importance of integrating this legal tool with other planning tools, such as advance directives
  • Why it’s important to act while the individual granting the power still has the mental capacity to do so
  • Why good preparation is necessary in order to help a family member, patient, client or even yourself in facing these decisions

Said Richardson School of Law Dean Avi Soifer, “These programs, put together by Professor Pietsch and Director Lenora Lee, are invaluable both personally and professionally. This impressive outreach is another great example of the law school’s direct connection and assistance to the larger community.”

RSVP for the seminar by Monday, February 9, at (808) 956-6544 or via email.

Parking for $5 is available in the Lower Campus Parking Structure. An afternoon tea reception will follow.

For more information, visit the Richardson School of Law website.

—By Beverly Creamer

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