Omaha Legal Blog

By 2020, it is expected that about 157 million Americans will have been diagnosed with a chronic illness. If you're one of them, you should have an estate plan that reflects that reality.

These are some of the key estate planning documents that could benefit you if suffering from a chronic illness.

1. A HIPAA release. HIPAA – which stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 – governs who can receive your personal health information. A HIPPA release allows you to authorize someone you approve to receive your otherwise confidential medical information. You might need another trusted person, such as your adult child or spouse, to have access to crucial information.
2. A living will. This document states your health care wishes and directs medical staff about future treatment.
3. Health proxy. Also known as a medical power of attorney, completing this form allows you to designate someone to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so. You also can name someone as your guardian should you become incapacitated.
4. Financial power of attorney. This document gives someone the ability to handle your financial and legal matters. There are different types of this document, and your attorney can advise you which is appropriate for your condition.
5. Revocable trust. This can help you avoid probate but also to provide a safeguard as your disease progresses.

The heart and soul of Nebraska is all about farming. However, farm families face special challenges when couples decide to divorce. Protecting a farm that has been in the family for generations isn’t easy in divorce, especially if its operations have grown during the marriage and multiple family members are a part of running it.

Omaha and other Nebraska cities welcome new businesses. Startups and new companies play a significant role in helping communities continue thriving. However, there exists no guarantee that any new business will find success.

Many of our business formation clients ask us how they can improve their odds of achieving success in their new business endeavors. Our attorneys offer as much assistance as possible, but often it takes careful planning and commitment to start and operate a booming new company. For example, instead of having an idea and immediately acting, it makes better sense to create a solid plan before doing anything else.

Authorities in all states, including Nebraska, take claims of domestic violence very seriously. In most cases, the public supports a harsh stance against such violence. However, what if the defendant insists they are innocent of these accusations?

One of the most important cornerstones of the American justice system is having the right to an effective defense. This is so even in the face of damning allegations, including those involving domestic violence. This means that if you have been arrested for domestic violence, you have the right to protect yourself. There are effective defenses like the ones outlined below.