Automotive: How Do You Know Which Oil is Best For Your Car?

Vehicle engines require oil for several different reasons. Oil prevents wear and tear by protecting metal surfaces from rubbing against one another. If dust and grit get into your engine, oil will carry away this debris and reduce the risk of damage. To make sure your engine is kept in great shape, review the tips below.

Start With Your Manual

The manufacturer may recommend a brand for best results. Your manual can also give you a recommended viscosity.

Viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil. If you live in a cold country, your manual or mechanic may recommend changing to a lower viscosity oil before winter. Cold conventional oil is thicker and will provide less protection until the engine warms up.

Your manual may also recommend a synthetic oil rather than a conventional oil. Synthetics are less limited by extreme temperatures, so an October oil change to a lower-viscosity oil may not be necessary.

If you find that your vehicle is low on oil and you want to add to it but don’t have synthetic available, you can add conventional oil. There are no dangers in mixing synthetic and conventional oils.

Pay Attention to Temperature

Even the best oils can break down if exposed to very high heat for extended periods of time. If you’re planning a long road trip and will need an oil change when you get home, go ahead and get the oil change done before you travel.

Drivers tend to think of the radiator as the only part of the car that keeps things cool. However, the oil that pumps through your engine, lubricating metal parts and carrying away debris and grit, also contributes to cooling. When your oil is old, it may be loaded with excess debris or start to break down under extreme heat.

This breaking down of oil can leave a product known as “varnish” on the metal components of your engine. Varnish means that seals don’t quite fit; metal pistons that once fit snugly may now have gaps that waste fuel, and oil, and lead to more heat build-up.

You’re always safest to get your oil changed a bit early. Again, review your manual and take a look at the calendar and temperature recommendations.

Focus on Your Filter

The debris and gunk carried away by your engine oil will eventually become trapped in the filter. If you’re just adding oil when it’s low but never getting the filter changed, you’re putting your engine in grave danger.

A clogged filter can put your oil pump at risk. If your oil pump fails, it can lead to the same conditions as running your car with no oil at all. For those hoping to save money by changing their own oil, review your manual and purchase both a filter and enough oil to refill your oil reservoir.

Once you’ve installed the new filter and added fresh oil, let your car rest for a bit. DIY oil changes can fail for a couple of reasons. If you don’t get the plugin tight enough, oil will leak from the pan. If you don’t get the filter on tight enough, oil will leak around the filter. Putting a piece of fresh cardboard under your car overnight is a good way to make sure everything is properly sealed up before you drive away.

Consider How Many Miles You Have On Your Car

An engine that has a lot of miles on it may benefit from high-mileage oil. These oils are loaded with additives that can actually reinvigorate an older engine. For example, these oils feature seal conditioners.

The seals and gaskets in your vehicle are made of soft, flexible materials. Time and heat can leave these seals brittle; if a seal cracks or fails, you can have a serious engine repair bill. Once you have 75,000 miles on an engine, changing to a high-mileage oil may be one of the simplest ways to protect your engine for the next 75,000 miles.

Regular oil changes are an investment in your vehicle. Don’t let this crucial maintenance fall off the schedule! Check your oil once a month and get it changed as recommended by your manual and mechanic.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Best Oil

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Living: Helpful Steps to Take Pet Proof Your Furniture

Pets are members of your family that provide you with constant companionship and unconditional love. Many pets are affectionate and playful to the point of improving your sense of wellness while reducing stress and loneliness in your life. They can even be your opportunity to get physical activity and form social bonds with other pet owners. For all the benefits of having pets in your home, many responsibilities come with them. They include vet care, feeding and bathing them, getting them exercise, and protecting your furniture.

How Does Pet-Proofing Furniture Help a Home?

Protecting your furniture from pets makes it possible to keep your home clean and clear of damage while also letting your pets enjoy freedom of movement. Routine maintenance, durable materials, and preventive choices extend the lifespan of your various pieces of furniture, so you save money instead of spending it on replacements and repairs. Pet-proofing your furniture also makes your home safer for the pets in your family. They’re less likely to have accidents, and your home has better harmony between your furry family members and your furnishings.

Pet-Proof Your Furniture With These Steps

The idea of pet-proofing your furniture might seem like a monumental task you don’t want on your to-do list, but you can break it down into individual steps that help you manage the process. Whether you do it all in one weekend or take it slow, keeping your pets and home comfortable and safe is worth it.

1. Analyze Your Home

When experts pet-proof their homes, they start by identifying problem areas. Look throughout your home for pieces of furniture that pets either interact with the most or are likely to in the future. Check everything for signs of soiling, chewing, and scratching. Understand that each pet has its tendencies, which you must prepare for. Dogs might enjoy jumping on furniture and chewing pillows and cushions, but cats are more likely to climb and scratch. Your pet-proofing efforts need to reflect the species of pets in your home and their particular inclinations.

2. Pick Pet-Friendly Materials

The process of having pet-proof furniture in your home involves protecting what you already have while making intelligent choices with new pieces that you buy in the future. Current furniture that doesn’t feature pet-resistant materials might need throws or slipcovers to avoid scratches, stains, and fur. You can easily remove these and wash them to keep your furnishings clean. When buying new furniture, look for tightly woven fabrics, microfiber, and leather. Such materials don’t attract fur as much, and you can keep them clean with less work.

3. Schedule Pet Training

One of the best ways to pet-proof a sofa is to train your pet to respect it. Assign pets designated spaces, including scratching posts and pet beds, and reward them when they use them. Consistent training should yield effective results. Simultaneously, you can discourage destructive behaviors by deterring them. Plentiful chew toys lying around should divert pets from gnawing on things you’d rather they didn’t. Likewise, double-sided tape on furnishings can prevent or minimize jumping.

4. Give Vulnerable Areas Extra Protection

You can make nearly any piece of furniture pet-friendly by applying sticky pads or scratch guards to the corners and legs that are likely to attract the attention of your pets. There are even pet-friendly sprays you can use to deter scratching.

Peaceful Coexistence Is Possible

You probably think your coexistence with your pets is anything but peaceful when storms scare them or they get the zoomies, but you can create a happy balance between them and your home. Train your pets to respect your furniture, and provide them with designated scratching posts and pet beds that are theirs alone. Choose furniture with tightly woven fabrics or leather for durable materials, and add more protection with blankets and slipcovers. Reduce shedding and scratches with regular grooming and nail trimming. The proper preventive measures and mindful care can create a space where your pets and furniture live harmoniously while you enjoy your home’s style and comfort.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for National Outdoor Furniture

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LDS Church Releases Vancouver WA Temple Exterior Rendering

Salt Lake City, UT — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a rendering of the Vancouver Washington Temple Tuesday.

The architectural rendering release comes less than a year after the church announced a temple would be built in the area, and just six months after the site location was announced. The temple is designed to serve the needs of church members in the Vancouver area in and around Southwest Washington.

Projected as a multistory temple of approximately 43,000 square feet, the Vancouver temple will sit on a 15.11-acre site at the northwest corner of the intersection of SE 20th Street and SE Bybee Road in Camas, Washington, just east of Vancouver.

More information on the new temple — including a date for its groundbreaking — will be released at a later date.

Washington is home to more than 281,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 490 congregations and four operating temples — the Seattle Washington Temple (dedicated in 1980), the Spokane Washington Temple (1999), the Columbia River Washington Temple (2001) in Richland in the south-central Tri-Cities area, and the recently dedicated Moses Lake Washington Temple (2023). A temple for Tacoma was announced at the faith’s October 2022 General Conference.

Vancouver Temple

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series, Part 4 of 4: Elvis and the Scammers

For the last few weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned for their deaths. We started with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, so ending our 4-part series with the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, seems fitting. 

Why discuss a man who’s been deceased since 1977? A recent case involving Graceland serves as a stark reminder of the audacity of scammers. This case is a wake-up call for property owners and potential heirs. Let’s delve into this unusual tale to understand how you can assert control over your assets and protect them from unscrupulous actors.

How It Went Down

You might think that a well-known property like Graceland would be untouchable, but that didn’t stop a mysterious company from trying to steal it. A group calling itself Naussany Investments and Private Lending claimed that Graceland’s owners owed them millions from an old loan. They even set a date to auction the property to the highest bidder. But there was just one problem – the whole thing was a scam.

Riley Keough, Elvis’s granddaughter and the current owner of Graceland, quickly fought back. She filed a lawsuit, saying her mother, Lisa Marie Presley, never borrowed money from this company or put Graceland up as collateral. The courts agreed, stopping the sale just in time. Keough’s swift action got the attention of the Tennessee Attorney General’s office, which then turned over the case to the FBI, and a federal investigation is pending.

Unfortunately, there’s been a rise in these types of scams, and they aren’t just targeted at the rich and famous. Scammers can take advantage of those who have never had a top-10 hit. A Wall Street Journal article published on June 3, 2024, breaks down a typical scenario, which is on point:

“Here’s how it works: A fraudster targets your house and assumes your identity, using tactics similar to identity thieves to acquire your personal information and create fake IDs. He or she then tries to sell it to an unsuspecting buyer by executing a forged deed in your name. An alternative scam is to submit a mortgage application in your name to get cash out of the house.”

Often, people don’t find out this has happened until the sale is complete, and by then, it may be too late to get the property back—or at least it would be very time-consuming and costly. Some people cannot fight back because they don’t have the financial resources to do so, and the results can be utterly heartbreaking.

If it can happen to Graceland, it can happen to anyone. So, how can you identify these scams before they escalate? The key is knowledge. Equip yourself with the right information to spot these scams before they become a threat.

Red Flags You Can’t Ignore

When you’re dealing with property, loans, and estate planning, keep your eyes peeled for these warning signs:

Paperwork problems: The documents in the Graceland case had many issues. The dates didn’t match up, the signatures looked fishy, and the notary said she never met Lisa Marie Presley. Always read the fine print and question anything that looks off. You should also consult with a lawyer immediately if you suspect something fishy. A lawyer can confirm your suspicions and help you take action right away. 

Ghost companies: According to the news articles, Naussany Investments was hard to pin down. They had no actual address, just P.O. boxes, and weren’t registered as a business anywhere. Do your homework before you deal with any company, especially for something as important as a loan. Look them up online, check with the Better Business Bureau, and be bold and ask probing questions.

Timing: The scammers waited until after Lisa Marie Presley passed away to make their move. Be extra cautious about any claims against a deceased person’s estate – fraudsters often target families when they’re most vulnerable. 

Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself

Understand that you can take proactive steps to safeguard yourself and your loved ones before any warning signs appear. Here are some practical measures to ensure the protection of your property.

Keep good records: Make sure all your important documents are organized and easy to find. This includes property deeds, mortgage papers, and any loans you’ve taken out. If someone makes a false claim, you’ll have the proof to fight back as quickly as Riley did. Regular review and updates of these documents are crucial.

Be skeptical: It is if something sounds too good to be true. Be wary of unsolicited offers or demands, especially if they come with pressure to act quickly. 

Stay in the loop: If you’re inheriting or managing property for someone else, know what’s happening. Are the taxes paid? Is there a mortgage? The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to pull a fast one. Riley Keough was able to take action quickly enough to stop the sale because she was paying attention. 

You also want to make sure someone else is paying attention to your affairs in case you become incapacitated. In last week’s article, we discussed what can happen if you become incapacitated and you haven’t planned for it. If you missed it, here’s a sneak peek: it took months for Jay Leno to be able to manage his wife’s financial affairs once she was unable to herself. And as we’ve seen with the Graceland case, months could mean the difference between keeping your property and losing it. If you haven’t planned for your incapacity, book a call with me using the scheduling link below, and let’s talk about how we can get that taken care of for you.

This brings us to the most important thing you can do to protect yourself. Incapacity planning isn’t enough. You need a solid and thorough Life & Legacy Plan.

A Solid Estate Plan is the Key

A solid estate plan creates a legal framework that’s much harder for fraudsters to penetrate. The type of planning I do, called Life & Legacy PlanningⓇ, is solid and thorough. It covers all possible scenarios so you and your family are prepared for anything that can happen after your death or during your incapacity. It includes an inventory of all your properties and other assets, so you know exactly what you have, and your loved ones will also know if they need to step in and help. A Life & Legacy Plan also includes regular reviews and updates so your plan stays current with changing laws and circumstances, closing potential loopholes that scammers might exploit. 

Finally, we can help you ensure your loved ones are aware of these risks and familiar with your estate plan. As we’ve learned from Elvis’s estate, the more eyes watching out for fraud, the better.

How We Help You Not Fall Victim to a Scam

Scams are rising, and the best time to protect yourself is now. We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan so that your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and have a plan that works when you (and they) need it to. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your property protected. 

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more.

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

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Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez to Host Service Academy Open House in Clark County

VANCOUVER, WA –Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced she will be hosting a Service Academy Open House in Clark County.

The event will take place on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 4-5:30 pm at the Vancouver Community Library’s Columbia Room, located at 901 C Street, Vancouver, Washington 98660.

At the event, Southwest Washington high school students and their families will be able to learn more about pursuing a career in our nation’s Armed Forces and meet with representatives from the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.

High school juniors, or anyone 17-22 years of age residing in Washington’s Third District, are now able to apply for a service academy nomination from Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez through her website. Completed applications must be submitted by November 12, 2024 and applicants will be scheduled for interviews shortly after.

“One of my most important duties as a Member of Congress is to nominate the next generation of young leaders to our nation’s military service academies. This past cycle, I nominated some truly outstanding students from across Southwest Washington,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m holding this open house for young people to hear about the differences between academies, what makes a strong candidate, and the application process for securing a nomination.”

This will be the Congresswoman’s third Service Academy Open House, and the second held in 2024. Earlier this year, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez nominated students from across Southwest Washington who are now attending service academies.

The Congresswoman’s team always stands ready to support students with the application process. Those with questions not listed in the FAQs are encouraged to reach out online, by phone at (360) 695-6292, or in person at her Vancouver or Kelso offices.

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Annual Lacamas Lake Drawdown Scheduled to Begin September 16

Camas, WA — Officials with the City of Camas Public Works department have announced that the annual drawdown of Lacamas Lake and Round Lake is scheduled to begin Sept. 16.

Beginning at 8 am, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, the City will reduce the total level of the lakes by approximately six-feet, in order to achieve the level needed to facilitate dam inspections and repairs.  

The drawdown should take a few days, with the minimum level being reached by the approximate date of Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. 

Once inspections and repairs have taken place, the process to refill the lakes to normal levels is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 28.  Officials expect this process to take several weeks, depending on rainfall volumes.

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Washougal Seeks High School Students for City Council Representative Role

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal is excited to announce an outstanding opportunity for Washougal High School juniors and seniors to make their voices heard and have a direct impact on their community. The city council is accepting applications for the position of Student Representative.

The Student Representative and one alternate will have the unique chance to attend City Council meetings, participate in discussions on important community matters, and bring forward the views and concerns of Washougal’s youth. High school students will gain firsthand experience in local government and civic engagement. The Student Representative will serve in an advisory capacity and will not have voting rights on matters before the City Council. They will serve a one-year term to begin in October 2024 with the possibility of an extended year for juniors.

“This is a fantastic way for students to gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact on their community,” said Washougal Mayor David Stuebe. “We encourage all interested juniors and seniors to apply and seize this chance to become part of Washougal’s future.”

Key Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in City Council workshops and meetings twice a month.
  • Provide insights and feedback on issues affecting young people in Washougal.
  • Collaborate with other council members to develop and support initiatives that benefit the community.
  • Serve as a liaison between Washougal High School students and the City Council.
  • Observe how city government functions.
  • Alternates are expected to attend at least one workshop and meeting per month as an audience member and fill in for the student representative in their absence.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a junior or senior within the boundary of the Washougal High School or Washougal city limits for the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills.
  • The alternate must be a junior or senior.
  • Meets general academic eligibility requirements as prescribed by the District.
  • Commit to attending regular City Council meetings and additional events as needed.

Application Process

Interested students are encouraged to submit applications to include:

  • A completed online application form available at https://cityofwashougal.us/StudentRep.
  • A one-page cover letter outlining interest in the Student Representative position and how they plan to contribute to the City Council. If the student is involved in community and extracurricular activities, they should explain their involvement in the cover letter.  
  • A resume of no more than two pages.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: Submit online by Thursday, September 18, 2024
  • Interviews: September 26, 2024; by appointment beginning at 3 pm. Interview questions are posted at http://cityofwashoual.us/StudentRep.
  • Oath of Office: October 14, 2024, at the 7 pm council meeting

For more information, please visit http://cityofwashoual.us/StudentRep.

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Ocean Wise Expands Underwater Microphone Whale Detection Initiative

Vancouver, British Columbia — Ocean Wise is pleased to announce the expansion of whale presence alerts to commercial mariners in southern resident killer whale critical habitat. This expansion is thanks to SMRU Consulting in collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, as they integrate underwater microphones, or hydrophones, off the coast of Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island, Washington State, to the Whale Report Alert System.

The Ocean Wise Whale Report Alert System, or WRAS, works to protect whale populations from ship disturbances and collisions by alerting nearby commercial mariners to the presence of whales. With this integration, hydrophones at Lime Kiln will provide data to the WRAS, which will automatically send alerts to nearby large vessels with real-time information on whale presence.

Ocean Wise first introduced the integration of hydrophones – or underwater microphones – into the WRAS in April 2024 with its integration with the Boundary Pass listening station in collaboration with Transport Canada, JASCO Applied Sciences and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Hydrophones automatically detect whale calls and clicks. These whale detections are then communicated in real-time to mariners via the WRAS, helping them to make informed decisions to slow down or re-route to avoid disturbing or injuring the whales.

The hydrophone located in the waters surrounding Lime Kiln Lighthouse, located off Lime Kiln Point State Park, was chosen for data integration with WRAS, as this is an area well frequented by Southern Resident Killer Whales. 

In collaboration with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and The Whale Museum, SMRU Consulting upgraded the existing hydrophone at Lime Kiln in 2016. Since its integration with the WRAS in June 2024, the system has sent over 100 real-time alerts to mariners, 44% of which were issued after daylight hours—times when traditional visual whale detection methods are less effective.

Ocean Wise anticipates that the expanded use of hydrophones will lead to more alerts being generated by the WRAS, increasing mariner awareness and reducing the risk of vessel strikes.

The Whale Report Alert System is a key component of the Ocean Wise Sightings Network. For more information, visit ocean.org/whales.

About Ocean Wise

Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization dedicated to empowering communities to take meaningful action to protect and restore our oceans. Through research, education, innovation, and collaboration, we are addressing critical ocean challenges, including plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change. With operations in Canada, the United States, and Chile, our work impacts over two dozen countries worldwide.

About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and the Port of Vancouver

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate is to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver, while protecting the environment and considering local communities. The port authority oversees the use of port land and water, which borders 16 municipalities and intersects the traditional territories and treaty lands of more than 35 Coast Salish Indigenous groups. Enabling the trade of approximately $300 billion in goods with between 140 and 170 countries each year, port activities sustain 132,400 jobs, $9.3 billion in wages, and $16.3 billion in GDP across Canada.

About SMRU Consulting

SMRU Consulting is a global leader in marine mammal consulting and research, delivering innovative, robust and environmentally sound solutions to clients active in the marine environment. Our staff have extensive experience in carrying out research into many facets of marine mammal biology. We work across all marine sectors from wet renewables, civil engineering, infrastructure, oil and gas and decommissioning to government, defense, and scientific research and development. We have considerable experience with developing frameworks for environmental assessments, the development of risk modeling techniques such as noise impact assessment methods and collision risk modeling, Bioacoustics, Active sonar, Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), Seal telemetry and count data and Industry-focused R&D projects. SMRU Consulting also works closely with our academic partners, the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) and the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) at the University of St. Andrews.

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Bringing Rural Communities Up to Speed: Port of CW Partners With NocTel

Washougal, WA — In alignment with its slogan “It is our nature to thrive” the Port of Camas Washougal has partnered with its tenant NocTel to bring the best, fastest local Internet service to its tenants within the Port District. The Port is well known for being committed to helping tenants thrive through support and advocacy locally and beyond.

Port Executive Director, David Ripp said “Partnering with Cory Schruth of NocTel on this project is a clear choice for us, their goals and values in the community completely align with ours. They have proven they are a tenant that is committed to bringing a true quality service to Port tenants and local residents, which is the best and most reliable service to this area. This is why the Port exists, to continue to support companies like NocTel.”

NocTel has been around since 2011 and during Covid the demand for rural areas in SW Washington to have the opportunity for high speed Internet service became glaringly apparent, so they jumped at the chance to provide a solution. NocTel Fiber provides fast broadband to neighborhoods that do not currently have options for fast Internet access. As a local resident, Cory understood how frustrating using slow Internet can be. Parents, those working remotely, and students alike now had access to Internet service they didn’t know was an option for them at the time.

Abysmal, hopeless and slow were some of the words used to describe rural SW Washington Internet services, they reached out to many well-known entities, but no help came. Cory realized it was time to take charge and build a network. This is how NocTel Fiber was born. He determined fiber optic cable was the fastest and most reliable solution for rural areas. Now, NocTel Fiber has miles of cable in rural areas in SW Washington, with many future plans to expand their network.

Cory Schruth, Founder of NocTel Fiber said “We bring Fiber to the Forgotten. We don’t think anyone should not have the same opportunity as anyone who lives in a city, metropolitan area to have the same connection to the world. We are thrilled to work with the Port of Camas/Washougal to provide their tenants with exactly what they deserve, reliable, fast Internet service through fiber.”

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Celebrity Estate Plans Series, Part 3 of 4: Jay Leno’s Case No Laughing Matter

For the last two weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned (or didn’t!) for their deaths. In this third installment of our four-part celebrity series, we discuss a topic that no one wants to consider as it may seem to be a fate worse than death: incapacity. Unlike death, not everyone will become incapacitated. Yet, it’s an essential part of your future planning because if you do become incapacitated, you want to have made your choices well before that occurs. To illustrate the importance of planning for incapacity, we’ll examine the real-life court case involving Jay Leno and his wife, Mavis. I assure you, it is no laughing matter. A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan can provide reassurance and peace of mind, and we’ll explore its benefits in this context. 

The Leno case highlights what happens when you or a loved one becomes incapacitated and what can happen if you have not planned in advance. From the Leno case, we can learn several lessons, including 1) What incapacity is and what it is not, 2) What a spouse can and can’t do with the other spouse’s financial affairs, and 3) How you can end up in court with all your affairs becoming public knowledge. We’ll address all three topics here, emphasizing why these matter, even for tf us who have never hosted “The Tonight Show.”

Let’s start with the basics: what do we mean by discussing “incapacity”?

What Incapacity Is and What It’s Not

If you become incapacitated, you’ve lost the ability to make sound financial, medical, or legal decisions for yourself. You may even make harmful decisions or be unable to communicate at all. Incapacity can result from several circumstances, including a tragic accident, a serious, end-of-life illness, or aging-related challenges, such as dementia or Alzheimers. Like death, incapacity can strike at any time and any age. Once it does, it’s too late to get your affairs in order, and your loved ones will be stuck in a mess. This is why planning for incapacity is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity. 

This may seem obvious, but stay with me: It’s important to note that incapacity occurs while you’re alive. I say this because estate planning, to some degree, has much to do with timing. You can have a plan and create documents that deal with your incapacity. However, that plan and documents become null and void once you die, and another document is needed.

This matters to you: If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of a document called a Power of Attorney. You may even have authority for an aging relative under a Power of Attorney. In my practice, however, I’ve found that most people don’t realize that the authority granted under that Power of Attorney ends as soon as the person granting the power dies. So, while you may be able to access your loved one’s checking account to pay bills while they’re alive, that ends immediately at death if your access was under a Power of Attorney. You must then get separate authority – from a court if assets are not held in a trust – to handle the remaining assets after death. In simpler terms, the legal documents you have in place for incapacity may not be enough, and you could end up in court if you’re not prepared.

This means your incapacity planning and post-death planning must work together so the transition is handled smoothly and with as much ease for your loved ones as possible. And that brings us to the Leno case.

So, What Happened In the Leno Family? (And What It Means for You)

Mavis Leno, Jay’s wife of more than 40 years, is battling dementia and has reached the point where she can no longer handle her financial affairs. So, Jay had to go to court (essentially filing a lawsuit against his wife) to be able to manage her finances. After a few months, the court ruled and gave Jay the requested authority.

That’s essentially the entire story. But we can’t stop there! Even from just three simple sentences above, several key takeaways exist. 

Here are the highlights:

Even though they were married, Jay did not have automatic authority to manage Mavis’s finances. And neither will you if you’re married and your spouse has separate assets. Any assets or accounts you own are your property and your property alone. Marital status is irrelevant. And, if you don’t have advance planning in place, your spouse could need to go to court and sue your “estate” to get appointed and be able to take control of your assets. 

Leno had to file a lawsuit (against his wife) to gain control of his wife’s finances. 

That’s the process, no matter what State you’re in. If you don’t have advance planning and you become incapacitated, someone will need to go to court to get authority, even if you have powers of attorney in place. And it will cost time (a few months in most cases) and money. While waiting for the court to rule, you won’t be able to pay your spouse’s bills using their money (or they may spend away, unaware of what they’re doing). That leaves you with two options: 

You can pay the bills with your money and then get reimbursed later. This may be fine, especially if you have the financial means. But if you don’t have immediate access to cash, say your spouse paid all the bills from their account, this could mean trouble and potential asset loss. Or, bills simply go unpaid. Maybe you can explain the situation to the financial institution, and they will be patient while the court process plays out, but this doesn’t always happen. 

The court process is set up for conflict, and the more conflict there is, the longer the process will take. In Leno’s case, he and Mavis have been married for over 40 years, and it’s their first and only marriage (relationship goals, right?). Given this fact, it’s reasonable to assume that no one challenged Jay’s request. But what if one of them had been married before and had children from the prior marriage? And what if one of those children wanted to ensure they got their inheritance and didn’t want the step-parent to have any control over the money? Sadly, this happens all the time. When it does, the case can go on and on, meaning court costs go up, and the assets in question could be at risk due to the time delay.

Leno’s personal and family information became public knowledge, but not because he’s famous. In most States, you must disclose your address, your family members and their addresses, and information about the financial assets. The Leno family’s story is available for all of us to read, not because he’s famous, but because they had to go to court. 

This can be problematic because scammers are paying attention. They tend to pay particular attention if you (or someone you love) are vulnerable, especially if you’re older. I could write books about how often older people fall prey to these scams. And they’re all disturbing.

So, what have you gleaned from these insights so far? If anything concerns you, know there is a much better way this could have been, and this better way lies within your reach. 

A Life & Legacy Plan Keeps Your Affairs Private and Your Family Out of Court and Conflict

A Life & Legacy Plan solves the problems that left Jay Leno having to sue his wife’s estate to get access to her accounts. With a Life & Legacy Plan in place, you would have a seamless transition from capacity to incapacity and then to death. There’s no time delay; assets can be immediately available if needed. A Life & Legacy Plan can also keep you and your loved ones out of court and conflict, saving time and money and keeping all your affairs private.

When you work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, we’ll ensure your plan stays updated throughout your lifetime. This is critically important because if your estate plan doesn’t reflect your current life circumstances, the time you need won’t work. That means you end up in court, just like the Leno family; for context, most attorneys ensure your plan stays current. But I’ve seen too many plans fail because of this; we’ll review your plan at least every three years and make updates as necessary. 

We’re Here for You Throughout All Of Life’s Changes

Incapacity planning is more crucial than ever, especially with cases of dementia on the rise. According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, over 55 million people worldwide currently have dementia, and that number is expected to increase to 78 million by 2030. Whether you’re diagnosed with dementia, another severe illness, or a terrible accident that results in your incapacity, a Life & Legacy Plan will help ensure you’re prepared, no matter what happens.

We help you create a Life & Legacy Plan so that your loved ones stay out of court and conflict and have a plan that works when you (and they) need it. Once you’ve created your plan, you can rest easy knowing your wishes will be honored, your loved ones cared for, and your personal information kept private. 

Contact us today!

This article is a service of Res Nova Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning™ Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

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