Getting Your Legal House in Order

Overview

Course No. 5037

Discover peace of mind with this approachable, step-by-step plan for getting your financial, legal, and estate plans together. The law impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, yet we seldom stop to reflect on the tools, documents, and procedures that allow our society to function. Property and contracts, insurance and credit, taxes and estate planning may seem intimidating, but getting on top of your legal affairs is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family.

This course offers a practical and accessible look at what you need to do to secure your future. Taught by author and elder law attorney Sally Balch Hurme, these 18 eye-opening lectures provide an enjoyable and satisfying overview of your legal affairs. You’ll learn to navigate the confusing language of legal and financial procedures, from wills and trusts to insurance and annuities. While having your own attorney is invaluable, this course is designed to illuminate personal legal issues for people of any age.

Course Structure

1. Get Your Legal Life Together Now! (32 min)

• Begin with an inventory of your legal documents and estate planning tools to understand how to get your legal house in order.

1. Reducing Debt by Reading the Fine Print (31 min)

• Examine consumer debt types and the relationship between debt and your credit score.

1. Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft (32 min)

• Learn strategies to safeguard your personal information against identity theft.

1. Knowing Your Property Rights (31 min)

• Explore your rights and responsibilities regarding property ownership and rental.

1. Deciding Whether a Timeshare Is for You (32 min)

• Investigate the pros and cons of owning a timeshare before making a decision.

1. Choosing the Insurance You Need (29 min)

• Unpack common types of insurance and understanding your coverage.

1. Figuring Out Your Retirement Finances (32 min)

• Familiarize yourself with financial instruments that support you during retirement.

1. Making the Most of Medicare and Medicaid (33 min)

• Navigate the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid to maximize your benefits.

1. Weighing the Benefits of Reverse Mortgages (32 min)

• Understand how reverse mortgages work and their potential drawbacks.

1. Comparing Retirement Communities (33 min)

• Survey the options available for retirement living and what to watch for financially.

1. Drafting Your Estate Plan (33 min)

• Discuss the role of a will in your estate plan and what to include in it.

1. Understanding and Using Trusts (30 min)

• Demystify trusts, their purposes, and when you might want to use them.

1. Controlling Who Gets Your Property (35 min)

• Learn about property interests and how they affect estate distribution.

1. Separating Probate Facts from Fiction (31 min)

• Understand the probate process and how to simplify it for your family.

1. Conveying Your Personal Wishes in Writing (27 min)

• Write letters of instruction to communicate your final wishes and save family disputes.

1. Creating a Financial Power of Attorney (31 min)

• Discover the importance of having a power of attorney and its responsibilities.

1. Caregiving by Contract or Court Order (32 min)

• Explore legal aspects of hiring caregivers and guardianship.

1. Preparing Medical Advance Directives (34 min)

• Learn about advanced care planning and how to communicate your healthcare wishes.