Over the past few months, we have written about Ann after her serious stroke and partly-successful therapy.  Ann now has a plan to live with her daughter permanently by adding a couple of rooms to Ann’s specifications to daughter Letty’s house. 

Much still needs to happen to carry out her plan, including selling Ann’s house.  Ann needs help from both her children, Manny and Letty.  So peace between those relatives would be helpful at the least and could be a necessity in fact. 

One crucial step is getting Ann’s plan in writing.  Clarity is a large part of peace between relatives, or any group of people.  Writing it out can make things clearer – and make sure that the concepts/ideas can be revisited in the future by whoever has new (or old) questions.

Explanations, commitments, and expectations need to be spelled out enough to answer most questions.  For the family, Ann’s sense of fairness should show in the Agreement.  Ann’s right to reside with Letty and the financial arrangements related to the deal should show in the Agreement for possible future Medicaid scrutiny in the event Ann later requires nursing home care. 

Both personal and ‘public’ issues are involved in multi-generational living arrangements.  For help deciding about possible multi-generational living in your own family, call our office at (815) 436-1996 to set an appointment.  ©2012 Gruber Law Office, Ltd.