Resources for Seniors

questions & answers

Question: My mother has dementia / Alzheimer's and I am moving my mother from IL to AZ. Do the current power of attorney and medical forms need to be redone in AZ?

Answer: The big question here is whether your mother is competent to update those forms.  Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 14-5501 states that a power of attorney executed in another state is valid in Arizona so long as it is valid in the state of the union where it was executed.  No such specific language exists for health care powers of attorney.  It may be worth your time to talk with a lawyer who is knowledgeable about guardianship issues.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  If you are financially qualified for the program, for a $75 fee, Modest Means  will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  If you need additional help and the attorney agrees to take your case, the fee charged will not exceed $75 per hour.  The telephone number is (866)637-5341.  Both the Maricopa and Pima County Bar Associations have lawyer referral programs that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consult for a fee of $40.  The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.