Advance Directiveness Could Have Saved Legally Blonde Actress a Day in Court

Dec 31, 2012| BY: Wade Law Offices

Guardianship over a relative is much more difficult to obtain after a loved one has already become legally incompetent due to physical or mental illness. Lengthy, costly and heartbreaking court proceedings can be avoided with advance directives.

You should understand the importance of having these documents in place before they become necessary.

Even movie stars known for playing attorneys can find their families in such an unnecessary dilemma.

Elle Woods Representing

In May, Legally Blonde actress Reese Witherspoon found herself in a real life court in her home state of Tennessee, alongside her mother, Betty, as they petitioned for joint conservatorship over Reeses father, Dr. John Witherspoon. Reeses parents are separated, but not divorced.

According to court documents, a restraining order was obtained against Tricianne Taylor, a woman who entered into a bigamous marriage with Reeses father, allegedly in order to borrow hundreds of thousands of dollars while using Johns last name. The order prevents Taylor from using the Witherspoon name or presenting herself as Johns wife.

Betty Witherspoon told the court that her husband has no memory of marrying Taylor and that he suffers from possible dementia along with several other medical conditions. She and Reese asked the court for conservatorship in order to become decision-makers for him due to his health. The case is ongoing.

Pick a Guardian, Put it in Writing

According to the 2012 Alzheimers disease facts and figures report ( http://tinyurl.com/bs277xn ) by the Alzheimers Association, Among people with dementia who live alone, as many as one-third to one-half do not have an identifiable caregiver.

Thats 2.7 million people who have no legal provisions for their care!

The Alzheimers Association recommends that advance directives be put in place to allow family members to make decisions about an individuals care while they are still able to make their wishes known, and the earlier, the better. These documents should include a durable power of attorney, a health care power of attorney and a living will.

Illness or injury can happen at any age, but these documents prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure that your wishes are followed and give family members peace of mind.

If these documents had been in place for John Witherspoon, the stress and legal wrangling his family is now going through to protect his assets and his name likely could have been avoided.