You may be surprised at the correct answers to these questions!  If you would like to discuss any of these questions or their answers, please contact attorney Craig P. Goldman at the Messerli & Kramer law firm, at (612) 672-3640.

1.         If I were to become incapacitated, is there someone authorized to make medical decisions for me?  (Hint:  Your spouse is not automatically authorized to do so).

2.         If I were to become incapacitated, is there someone authorized to manage my financial affairs and sign documents for me?  (Hint:  Your spouse is not automatically authorized to do so).

3.         If I passed away today, do I know which of my assets would have to go through probate and which would not?

4.         Are my spouse's and my assets protected if either (or both) of us goes into a nursing home?

5.         True or False:  A Will avoids probate.

6.         True or False:  If I jointly own assets with my spouse (including our home), I do not need a Power of Attorney.

7.         True or False:  A spouse can always make medical decisions for an ill spouse, even if the children disagree.

8.         True or False:  If my spouse dies without a Will, I will receive the same amount of assets regardless of how long we were married.

9.         True or False:  I cannot gift more than $12,000 in one year to any one person.