Since you asked... all about Protect Your Elderly Parents

A reader has sent me a question asking about my first book, called "Protect Your Elderly Parents", which was published by Self-Counsel Press in 2008. Here is his question:

"I want full details of your book called "Protect your Elderly Parents", i mean i just want to know what are the things which you have mentioned in it and what are the responses you got from the people who had gone trough your book ! I totally love this kind of books where they mention the importance of Elderly people or stuff related to that !"

I love talking about the stuff in my books. If I didn't have a passion for these topics, I would never have written about them!

This book tells readers how to get appointed by the courts as a guardian or trustee, or both, for parents who have lost decision-making ability. I wrote it because nobody ever talks about what has to happen if someone fails to prepare power of attorney and health care directives. And the legal process can be a mystery to many. There are tons of articles and books urging people to prepare their documents, but few that tell us what to do when it's too late to do that planning.

And people do leave it too late. Whether it's because they don't want to talk about unpleasant subjects like dying or losing mental capacity, or because they think they'll have time to do it "later", many of us simply don't ever get all of our legal ducks in a row.

In the book I talk about who can apply to be a guardian or trustee, and what to do and not do once you are appointed. I make sure that people fully understand the role of guardian or trustee before they even approach the court. I talk about less intrusive alternatives they should consider before going to court. I talk about record-keeping, legalities, communication with others and give specific examples of how to deal with certain situations.

I give guidelines for how to be a good representative in terms of what to focus on and how to do the job humanely and properly. I urge compassion, patience and common sense throughout the book. I talk about how to separate your own agenda from that of your parents. I'm clear about what you can't do from either a legal or a moral standpoint with someon else's money.
The book contains all of the forms needed in every province and territory to apply to the court to be appointed as trustee or guardian, and to apply to the court for reviews or renewals of orders. I've also included detailed checklists.

When the book came out, despite the fact that it was my first book and nobody knew me, it received enormous media coverage across the country. I was interviewed from Vancouver to Cape Breton as everyone recognized the importance of looking after vulnerable seniors. I appeared on BNN, Global TV, CityTV and CBC radio to talk about the issues raised in the book. If you'd like to see more feedback, check out the comments on the lower part of my blog that I receive from blog readers and people who attend my seminars.

Lawyers have contacted me to say they have given out this book to clients to ensure they understand the role they are taking on with respect to their parents. Colleges have told me they've included it in their Legal Assistant Programs. The feedback I receive the most often is that all of my books are actually readable, as they are not full of legal terms.

The popularity of this book led directly to the creation of my third book, called "Estate Planning Through Family Meetings (Without Breaking up the Family)" as I was asked again and again how to have the difficult conversations with parents and siblings.

"Protect Your Elderly Parents" is currently being updated to reflect the fact that Alberta, for example, has had new adult guardianship laws brought into effect, and I'm re-visiting each and every chapter of the book to see what can be improved or updated.

Hope you enjoy reading it.

"Estate Planning Through Family Meetings" now available as e-book

I've always described my book called "Estate Planning Through Family Meetings (Without Breaking up the Family)" as a labour of love. I poured so much of myself and my experience into it. I'm always pleased when people read it and tell me that it helped them.

I'm even more pleased to let you know that now you have another option for enjoying this book. Self-Counsel Press has released it as an e-book that those of you who like to read on a screen can get directly from them by clicking here. If you prefer the traditional paper-bound book, you can get it by clicking here.

Thanks to everyone who has told me they enjoy my books. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Over a quarter million views! Thanks so very much

I see that you, the readers, have now viewed my blog posts more than a quarter of a million times. I can't tell you how that humbles me, and at the same time, makes me feel proud to have offered something that people need and want. Thank you for reading my blog posts and books, for sending me your questions, and most of all, for wanting to know all that you can about wills, estates and elder law.

Protect Your Elderly Parents to go into second printing

I'm very pleased and proud to announce that my first book, Protect Your Elderly Parents: Become Your Parents' Guardian or Trustee is going into its second printing next month. I'm hard at work on revisions to make sure that all of the information is absolutely up to the minute. The book contains information, instructions and forms for every province and territory so I have lots of checking to do! Thanks to everyone who helped make this book a success. I sincerely appreciate the fact that so many people read my words and find them helpful to their lives and families. Believe me, I don't take that lightly.

Lynne

A little thank-you present

This coupon will get you anything from my publisher's website (not just my books but all authors) for 20% off. Just enter the coupon code that you see at the bottom right hand side of the coupon. Use it as many times as you like, and feel free to share it.

Another update on Alberta Probate Kit

I received an email this morning from my editor, who says she has received the advance copies of the Alberta Probate Kit. This means the actual book; it's no longer just a manuscript! Now copies should be in the stores very soon. Thanks to all who have emailed, called or left me notes here on my blog to say they are patiently (or in some cases impatiently) waiting for the kit.

Estate Planning Through Family Meetings still ranked #1 on amazon.ca

I'm soooo pleased to tell you that even though my book "Estate Planning Through Family Meetings (Without Breaking up the Family)" has been in the stores for one full year, it is STILL ranked #1 on Amazon.ca in the "law books/practical guides/wills" category. It's ranked #2 in the "law books/tax/estates and trusts" category. 

This book was the direct result of questions from my customers, readers, colleagues and friends about how to talk to their family members about sensitive matters like death, money, and mental incapacity. In particular, people wanted to know how to make estate planning collaborative, co-operative and non-threatening. So you can see that your comments and questions on this blog and in my seminars are definitely being heard!

My sincere thanks go to everyone who has bought this book, checked it out at the library or recommended it to a friend.

Canada Post comparison shopper

I just found this site today. Maybe others already knew it was out there, but if not, here is a link. It shows many of the places that Estate Planning Through Family Meetings is available, and the price, cost of shipping etc, in Canada and the USA.

Anthony Morris referrals

Lately I've been getting a number of calls from financial advisors who are interested in getting copies of my "Estate Planning Through Family Meetings" book, on the suggestion of Anthony Morris. First of all, thanks for following up on Mr. Morris' advice and checking out my book. I poured heart and soul into that one, along with years of experience, so it really feels great that the book is doing so well.

Secondly, some of the callers are asking me where they can get copies of the book. It's available in Chapters stores across Canada, Costco, Chapters Online, Amazon, a dozen online sites from India to New Zealand, and by clicking on the picture of the book cover here on my blog.

Of course you can also get copies from the publisher, Self-Counsel Press. If you want to talk to Self-Counsel about a bulk order, click here.

To everyone who has bought and/or read any of my books, feedback is always welcome.

Books work well as gifts

Yesterday I was contacted by a financial advisor who is buying several copies of my Estate Planning Through Family Meetings book to give to clients as Christmas gifts. I also know a business broker who gives out copies of my Succession Planning Kit for Canadian Business book to clients who attend his seminars. Both of these guys told me that they find the books great as gifts because the books are so easy to read and understand, and contain tons of practical information and tips.

If this is something you think you'd like to do for your clients, customers or family members, you can buy copies of my books by clicking on their links on this blog. You can also get them online at Chapters and Amazon. If you are interested in larger bulk orders, send me an e-mail note, or contact the sales manager, Jason, at Self-Counsel Press at jason.crawford@bell.blackberry.net

Feedback is always welcome.

Answering your question - adult guardianship forms

I've been asked a couple of times now where people can find the forms they need to apply for guardianship or trusteeship of their aging parents. This is the subject of my book, Protect Your Elderly Parents, which contains a CD with all of the forms needed for every province and territory in Canada. It also includes sample forms for record-keeping and passing of trustee's accounts, as well as chapters on guardian's duties, trustee's duties, limitations on those roles, and how those legal appointments come to an end. Updates for Alberta are underway and will be available to those who buy the book at no extra charge. Click here to see more about the book. The feedback I've received is that it's very easy to use.

Another source you can look at is the webpage for the Office of the Public Trustee and/or Public Guardian for your province or territory.

Current top ten posts all in one handy package

The following are currently the top ten most popular posts on my blog. I keep an eye on this because as you may know, I'm preparing an Alberta Probate Kit for Self-Counsel Press. I believe that the more I know about what questions people are asking, the better the Kit will be. It'll be out in early 2011, so stay tuned for that.

I've put in links to each of the top ten articles so you can just click and read:

1. Can an executor distribute estate assets before getting the Tax Clearance Certificate?

2. Should you downsize for retirement?

3. Should an executor get a tax clearance certificate?

4. Joint tenancy vs. tenants in common

5. What is the executor's year?

6. Where are the executor police when you need them?

7. Are co-executors liable for each other's actions?

8. If you're appointed as an executor, should you accept?

9. What are an executor's duties?

10. How do I get a tax clearance certificate?

Is there an easy way for a guardian of an adult to keep records?

Many clients who are the guardians and/or trustees for adults tell me that they find it hard to keep up with record-keeping. We all know that trying to fill in details a week later (or, if we're honest, even more than a week in some cases) is not very effective. I'm often asked for ideas about a simple way to keep track that is easy and quick.

In this post I'm talking about guardianship record-keeping, as opposed to trustee (financial) record-keeping (which will be the subject of a future post). In other words, these are non-financial items that need to be recorded. They will include:

• appointments with doctors, therapists, dentists, geriatricians, etc


• dates involving legal matters such as granting of guardianship, or review


• moves to new home, long-term care, etc


• home visits for services including health care, cleaning, daily living etc


• phone calls to arrange services


• guardian appointment with government agencies or private providers


• applications or correspondence sent


• days that new treatments or medications were begun


• dates of surgeries


• visits to relatives, library, shops, restaurants etc


• requests made by the assisted adult


• dates of travel


• dates on which the assisted adult was ill, either severely or mildly (e.g. a cold)

The most simple way of recording all of these activities is to buy a daytimer book such as offices used to book appointments. Each book usually covers a year. They can be small enough to fit into a purse, briefcase or backpack. Have a book like this that is completely dedicated to the assisted adult and never write anything in it that does not apply to him or her in some way. In this book, record the information on the day it applies.

Most days you will probably not write anything. But on the days that you do, you can keep it simple by writing something like "Dr. Smith, for flu shot" on the day you take the assisted adult for his or her flu shot. It really can't get any simpler and easier than that. If you are ever asked by the courts to account for what you have done on behalf of the assisted adult, you will have a complete record at your fingertips. If you are ever asked by family members about when the assisted adult started their swimming lessons or discontinued a medical treatment, you will be able to find the answer right away. This book will also be handy when a doctor or other service provider needs to look back at what's been done.

You will find everything you need to know about both guardian record-keeping and trustee record-keeping in my book "Protect Your Elderly Parents".

Review of my book in Alberta Venture Magazine

Kristiana Indradat reviewed my book "Succession Planning Kit for Canadian Business" in the June 2010 issue of Alberta Venture Magazine. She said:

"Breakups are tough. Planning your exit strategy away from something or someone in which you've invested years of energy, effort and a few sleepless nights can be hard to do - especially if that thing is your business. Before you potentially hand over the reins to your eldest child or most senior staff, Lynne Butler, author of Succession Planning Kit for Canadian Business, wants you to consider some things.

With 20-plus years of experience in wills, estates and trusts, Butler guides you through the manageable process of succession planning. She discusses the options that might apply to your business - selling, transferring, freezing estate, farm rollover, buyout or winding down your operations. Worksheets at the end of each chapter (and in the included CD-ROM) help organize your thoughts on topics such as "Financing Your Succession Plan" and "Putting a Dollar Value on Your Business", making the eventual counsel with your lawyer, accountant and other professional advisers less painful. She also offers substantial food for thought for the 30% of Canadian business owners, according to a 2007 RBC study, who are thinking about passing the business along to a family member. A full chapter considers the issues and complications of keeping it in the family.

Butler also recognizes that taxes are an unavoidable part of the succession planning equation and offers insight about capital gains throughout the book. "Planning ahead allows you to find and use tax-efficient ways of transferring your business," Butler writes. "Failing to plan could mean paying a lot more tax than you have to." Her rule of thumb? Allot at least five years from start to finish to execute your exit."

Dealing with household goods when your aging parent is moving to long term care

I've recently found this book, "De-Stuff" by Jan Robbins Durr, which might be extremely helpful for anyone who is trying to figure out what to do with 40 or 50 years worth of possessions in the family home before it can be sold. It could be very applicable to the family of a senior who is moving into long-term care or in with one of his or her children. Find out more about the book by clicking here.

Who should be guardian for your elderly relative?

Guardians for aging adults who need help with personal decisions are usually chosen from among that person's spouse, children, siblings, parents or close friends. The best choice for any individual will depend on who is available, who is suitable and who is willing to take on the job.

Guardianship is an interactive role. It's not a case of signing papers occasionally and never seeing the aging person. When considering candidates for guardianship, consider geographical distance. The guardian can't make day-to-day decisions in the aging person's best interests if the aging person has no opportunity to voice concerns or express preferences. Geographical distance can be the deciding factor if, for example, there are two chidlren who are both willing to be the guardian of their parent, while one of the children lives in the same town as the parent and the other child lives hundreds of kilometres away. The ultimate deciding factor is what's good for the parent, not what his or her children want.

Some questions other than geographical distance to consider when deciding who would be a good choice as guardian for an aging relative are:

• Is the guardian frequently unavailable because he or she is away on business or pleasure trips?


• Is the guardian already overwhelmed with other duties such as parenting or working?


• Is the guardian accessible to the aging relative in emergencies or times of stress?


• Is the guardian trustworthy?


• Do the aging relative and the guardian already have a compatible relationship?


• Is the guardian able to make important decisions without being unreasonably swayed by other family members?


• Has the aging relative ever expressed a preference as to who the guardian should be?

These notes were excerpted from my book called "Protect Your Elderly Parents".

New book is now available!

I'm pleased and excited to announce that my new book is now available. It's called "Estate Planning Through Family Meetings (Without Breaking up the Family)". You can buy it using this link, at Chapters Online, on Amazon.ca, or by going to your local Chapters store. In Edmonton, see Audrey's Books on Jasper Avenue.

I poured heart and soul into this book, together with the law and 24 years of experience. It's also my first book to be released outside of Canada so that is personally very exciting to me.

Any comments or feedback about the book (or my other two books) are welcome, as always.

I've joined booktour.com

I've joined Booktour.com, a site that lets people know about upcoming events for authors. Hopefully this will help keep me organized! I've noticed there are lots of author events going on here in town that I didn't even know about. There are book signings, launch parties, in-store seminars, etc. If you're interested in this kind of event with me or other authors, check out their site here.

I've set up a Facebook page - please come visit!

I recently set up a Facebook page, and would love it if you'd drop by and see what's going on with me in my writing world. I'll be talking about new book release dates, signing and speaking events, upcoming books, works in progress, magazines I write for, the writing process, etc. I'm often asked how to get started in writing so will no doubt cover that too!

See you there: Lynne Butler -author Facebook page.

It's great to hear from so many people!

Apparently absolutely everyone in Edmonton reads the Edmonton Journal. The recent story about me and my book in the Business section of the Journal has resulted in a flood of phone calls and emails. Some people just want to ask where to buy the book, while others want to talk to me about their personal situation. Both kinds of calls are welcome, as are the calls from individuals who want to talk about how they and I can collaborate to find solutions for our customers. The best part of my work day is talking to people about estate planning and business succession planning, so please keep on calling!

The book can be ordered from:

Self-Counsel Press website
Chapters online
Amazon.ca website

Those of you who don't want to order online, stop in at Audrey's Books on Jasper Avenue or Greenwood's Bookshoppe in Old Strathcona. If you're not in Edmonton, ask at your nearest Chapters store.