Brooklyn Bar Association empowers public with legal knowledge events

December 1, 2023 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Brooklyn Bar Association. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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The Brooklyn Bar Association, known for its commitment to public service and legal education, once again demonstrates its dedication to the community with its latest event on Tuesday, Nov. 28 that took place on Zoom.

Esteemed Elder Law practitioner Fern J. Finkel, Esq., chair of the BBA Foundation Law Committee, recently led a seminar, “Aging in the Community: How to Get Your Planning in Place,” focusing on vital legal aspects of aging.

Finkel’s presentation delved into various crucial aspects of elder law. She emphasized the importance of organizing financial and personal documents, highlighting the benefits of online banking and advocating for giving password access to a trusted agent.

The seminar also focused on the critical nature of health care directives, including the need for health care proxies, living wills and HIPAA authorizations. Finkel emphasized the importance of clear communication about end-of-life decisions.

Another significant topic was financial management through powers of attorney. Finkel outlined the new statutory short form for power of attorney in New York, explaining its role in managing finances in cases of incapacity. She also covered estate planning essentials, discussing wills, trusts and the titling of accounts, with a focus on asset protection and the implications of estate taxes.

The seminar provided attendees with information on navigating Medicaid, Medicare and long-term care insurance, which are crucial for planning senior care.

Through these educational sessions, the Brooklyn Bar Association aims to empower Brooklyn residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their legal affairs, particularly in elder law.

This initiative by the BBA highlights the importance of public legal education and the value of expert guidance in navigating the complexities of the law. For those interested in future seminars and events, the Brooklyn Bar Association encourages residents to visit the BBA website for updates and more information.