Public invited to free February 10 seminar addressing legal topics on aging

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Beverly Creamer, (808) 389-5736
Media Consultant, William S. Richardson School of Law
Posted: Feb 1, 2015

James Pietsch
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 as part of a free public “Marigold Seminar" on Tuesday, February 10.  The event is sponsored by the UH Elder Law Program (UHELP) at the William S. Richardson School of Law.

The seminar, titled “Planning for the Future: Including the New 2014 Hawai‘i Uniform Power of Attorney Act (UPOAA)," is set for 3 p.m. in the Law Library at 2525 Dole Street.  Parking for $5 is available in the Lower Campus Parking Structure.  An afternoon tea reception will follow.

“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."

Pietsch is also an adjunct Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Psychiatry at the UH John A. Burns School of Medicine.

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 UPOAA, 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.

The “Marigold Seminar” is an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by UHELP to assist elders as well as their caregivers and loved ones in facing the challenges of aging. The series is named after the popular movie about a group of elderly Britons who find a delightful new life in India within a context in which vibrant aging is seen as an important part of life.

Said Richardson Law School 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.”

The series was created last year by Pietsch and UHELP Administrative Director Lee.  At the Law School Pietsch teaches Law, Aging and Medicine; Elder Law Clinic; Advanced Elder Clinic; and Health Law: Bioethics.  At the Medical School, he specializes in issues at the intersection of law, aging, medicine, bioethics and psychiatry.

Please RSVP for the seminar by Monday, February 9, at (808) 956-6544 or uhelp.edu@gmail.com.

For more information, visit: https://www.law.hawaii.edu/