Not meant to be a survey, and don't expect a personal answer, but...
maybe better...
"Should I engage/contract with a lawyer?"
Am thinking in terms of probable needs, and peace of mind. We don't currently have a lawyer, but have used different legal services as necessary. Now, as life seems to get more complicated, am wondering if a "call anytime" lawyer might be worthwhile. Also, of course, wondering about expense.
The subject came up with a recent dispute about a hospital bill sent to us, with the statement that Medicare would not pay. It was the hospital's mistake, and finally corrected, but gave us a scare, since the bill was over $4K. Made us wonder what our neighbors (senior communiity) might do... Many older and less alert, but with enough money to pay, just to avoid confrontation or future problems with credit, or acceptance into the hospital or other facility.
We are fortunate to have a son and DIL who are lawyers, though in different disciplines... who would help us into the right direction, but wonder if it would be cost efficient to have our own lawyer, and not to have to bother them.
This very recent article in the Chicago Trib resurrected the question. If you have the time, worthwhile reading to understand how "stuff happens" and perhaps giving a clue to what your parents may be facing, in the case of younger folks here.
Medical bills keep coming after patient's death - Chicago Tribune
We're at a point where we expect to be "fleeced", and figure that we'd pay up to $500 or so, to avoid the stress of a legal battle, even with that caveat, still feel vulnerable.
maybe better...
"Should I engage/contract with a lawyer?"
Am thinking in terms of probable needs, and peace of mind. We don't currently have a lawyer, but have used different legal services as necessary. Now, as life seems to get more complicated, am wondering if a "call anytime" lawyer might be worthwhile. Also, of course, wondering about expense.
The subject came up with a recent dispute about a hospital bill sent to us, with the statement that Medicare would not pay. It was the hospital's mistake, and finally corrected, but gave us a scare, since the bill was over $4K. Made us wonder what our neighbors (senior communiity) might do... Many older and less alert, but with enough money to pay, just to avoid confrontation or future problems with credit, or acceptance into the hospital or other facility.
We are fortunate to have a son and DIL who are lawyers, though in different disciplines... who would help us into the right direction, but wonder if it would be cost efficient to have our own lawyer, and not to have to bother them.
This very recent article in the Chicago Trib resurrected the question. If you have the time, worthwhile reading to understand how "stuff happens" and perhaps giving a clue to what your parents may be facing, in the case of younger folks here.
Medical bills keep coming after patient's death - Chicago Tribune
We're at a point where we expect to be "fleeced", and figure that we'd pay up to $500 or so, to avoid the stress of a legal battle, even with that caveat, still feel vulnerable.
