Study Club meets, elects new officers

The Study Club met Oct. 1 at the home of Gail Rankin in Faunsdale, with a new president, Joyce Yeager, presiding.

Member Billie Boggs introduced guest speaker Thomas Boggs of Lloyd, Dinning and Boggs law firm (Lloyd & Dinning, L.L.C.) in Demopolis. His presentation, “Estate Planning and Wills,” was the first speech planned for the 2013-14 club year to address important concerns relevant to everyone.

Attorney Boggs explained several salient points having to do with three legal instruments that everyone needs. A power of attorney, he said, should be given to a trusted relative or friend who will make decisions when the person who granted the power is incapable of doing so. More than one person may share responsibilities, but it is easier if there are fewer, he explained.

Likewise, Boggs informed, everyone needs an Advanced Directive (Living will). Such an instrument imposes on attending physicians, if the person is no longer able to give directions, to follow the patient’s choice in regards to treatments under the circumstances indicated by the directive. The directive may also designate one’s healthcare proxy.

Emphasizing that it is essential to have a will, the speaker pointed out the following: without a will, a widow receives one-half of the estate; it be recommended that trusts be set up for minors through banks; in inheritance matters, it is better to use percentage instead of dollars; the state of Alabama does recognize a handwritten will.

In addition to Yeager as president, the club’s new officers are Billie Boggs, vice president; Florence Mooring, secretary; and Jean Smith, treasurer. Gail Rankin will be in charge of the yearbook.

The club’s next meeting will be Nov. 5 with Jean Smith as Hostess.