Morris Hall, PLLC

Estate Planning Attorneys

MakePayment with multiple options
CALL NOW: 1 (888) 222-1328
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • About Morris Hall
    • Attorneys
    • Our Team
    • Morris Hall Core Values
    • Communities We Serve
      • Arizona
        • Carefree
        • Flagstaff
        • Mesa
        • Oro Valley
        • Phoenix
        • Prescott
        • Scottsdale
        • Sedona
        • Tucson
    • Career Opportunities
  • Our Services
    • Asset Protection
    • Probate
    • Tax Planning
    • Trusts
    • Trust Administration
    • Wills
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Do I Need an Estate Plan?
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Elder Law Resources
      • Phoenix Elder Law
      • Tucson Elder Law
    • Estate Planning Problems
    • FAQs
    • Probate Resources
      • Probate
      • Flagstaff Probate
      • Phoenix Probate
      • Sedona Probate
      • Tucson Probate
    • Published Books
      • Don’t Go Broke in a Nursing home
      • Tax Free Money for Long-Term Care!
    • Recent Law Changes and Improvements Affecting Arizona
      • Update My Living Trust
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • What to Do When Death Occurs
      • What Not To Do When Someone Dies
      • Who To Contact After A Loved Ones Death
  • Reviews
    • Testimonials
    • Review Us
  • Locations
  • Events
    • Seminars / Webinars
    • Past Webinar Recordings
  • Contact
    • Consultation Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Discounts

Casey Kasem: A Sad Ending to a Radio Legend

June 16, 2014 by Morris Hall, PLLC Leave a Comment

Most of us remember Casey Kasem from his time spent as the voice of the radio program American Top 40 and as the voice of “Shaggy” from Scooby-Doo.  Sadly, this radio legend passed away this weekend, having lost his battle with Lewy Body Disease, a common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s.

Prior to his passing, Kasem’s family members were involved in a bitter dispute for control over his medical care.  Last week, a Washington state judge ruled that Kasem’s daughter, not his wife, would control his medical care.  Then, on June 11th, a California judge reversed a June 9th ruling that Kasem should receive food, fluids, and certain medications. The ruling gave Kasem’s daughter the authority to withhold food and fluids from her ailing father.

What can be learned from these unfortunate events?

  • First – execute a Medical Power of Attorney.  A Medical Power of Attorney grants authority to an agent to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Selecting an agent to make these healthcare decisions helps keep these situations out of the courts.
  • Second – choose an agent who will consider your best interests before making medical decisions. Sometimes people don’t want to hurt feelings and end up choosing an agent they really don’t feel comfortable with.  Remember, the person you name as your agent has the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.  You want to name someone who understands you and will follow through with your wishes.
  • Third – create an Advanced Medical Directive, also known as a Living Will. This document comes into effect if you’re in a terminal condition, persistent vegetative state, or a similar condition. The Living Will directs doctors on how to care for you under those circumstances, such as whether to provide you with intubated foods and fluids, drug treatment, or whether or not to keep you on life support.

Taking these precautions does not guarantee that unfortunate situations like Casey Kasem’s will be avoided, but they will help ensure that your wishes are carried out.  If you have questions about what steps to take to ensure your affairs are in order, the attorneys at Morris Hall are happy to assist you.

What the Attorneys of Morris Hall Can Do For You:
The attorneys at Morris Hall have 100’s of years of combined experience ensuring that families’ assets are protected from probate, unnecessary taxes, creditors, ex-spouses and Medicaid spend-down.  The attorneys also help those in Arizona to apply for and receive Medicaid assistance and Veterans Benefits.  Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead.    Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment

This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Morris Hall, PLLC
Morris Hall, PLLC
Morris Hall, PLLC
Latest posts by Morris Hall, PLLC (see all)
  • What Is a Senior Life Settlement? - January 27, 2023
  • Most Used Estate Planning Documents - January 26, 2023
  • How to Help Older Parents from a Distance - January 24, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MH logo

Main Office

7600 N 16th St, Ste 105

Phoenix, AZ 85020

Phone: 602-249-1328

Fax: 602-248-2887

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

For a sample Click Here

Offices

Our law firm proudly serves many areas in Arizona. See all of our locations here.

Our law firm proudly serves the state of Arizona.  See all of our locations here.

Toll Free: 888-222-1328

Mon-Thur: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am – 4:00pm

  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram

Need an Estate Planning Lawyer in Arizona?

Looking for an estate planning attorney near you? We have office locations in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, West Valley, Carefree, Prescott, Sedona, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Oro Valley in Arizona so please visit us at the location that is closest to you.

  • © 2023 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc All rights reserved.
  • Disclaimer