Packer Elder Care Law

Thomas W. Packer was born in Blackfoot, Idaho and has been a practicing lawyer since 1982. He received his Law Degree from the University of Utah and a Master's in Public Administration from Idaho State University. He is a past hospital and nursing home administrator at Lost Rivers Hospital. As an administrator and as an attorney, he developed the desire to help Seniors enhance their quality of life.

Most people understand that estate planning is important, even though they frequently put it off because it is hard to think about leaving loved ones. However, it is critical to plan for the giving of property, estate taxes, incapacity, guardianship of minor children, the succession of a business and end-of-life issues.

A Will is a written document that directs the disposition of a person's property after death. It also allows you to name a Personal Representative, who administers your estate. If you die without a Will, your property passes according to the laws of the State. By having a Will in place, you decide who the beneficiaries will be, not the State.

A trust is a legal relationship whereby property interests are held by one person for the benefit of others. The property can be money, real estate, stocks, bonds, business interests and any personal possessions. Think of a trust as an agreement between the grantor and the trustee. The grantor makes certain property available to the trustee and the trustee agrees to manage the property in the way the grantor wants.

A Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare is combined into one form, in Idaho. A living will is an advance directive to your healthcare provider, communicating your desires for medical treatment at the end of your life. A durable power of attorney for healthcare takes effect if you are unable to communicate.