A Guide to Coming of Age and Powers of Attorney
As your child turns 18 (in most states), it might be hard to envision that the little child you once relied on for everything is now an adult. Now your child is free to vote, marry, apply for a credit…
Learn About Senior Benefits Offered by Government Programs
The current inflationary pressures are resulting in financial insecurity for many senior citizens in the US. Aside from cutting back on unnecessary expenses, many retirees or near retirement individuals should look to existing government programs to possibly qualify to receive…
There Are Some Pitfalls to Be Aware of When It Comes to Beneficiary Designations
You might think that leaving your property to your heirs would be simple enough. You make a will or a trust, you do a transfer-on-death deed for your real estate, you put your kids on your bank account, you designate…
Addressing Alzheimer’s Disease Through Legal Planning
Alzheimer's disease affects more than 5 million Americans, and there is no cure. Projections by the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) are that by 2050 more than 14 million Americans will suffer from this disease. What can you do if you are…
Does the Probate Attorney Represent the Executor or Estate Heirs?
Understanding the lawyer's role at the beginning of the probate process is one of the first things you should do, whether you are the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is…
When a Beneficiary Dies, Who Receives the Inheritance?
What happens to a beneficiary's inheritance when they die? You may be wondering whether if you leave property to your brother Jim, but he dies before you, would his kids inherit the property in his place? The answer is, only…
A Living Will’s Ten Most Important Facts
Unlike last wills and testaments, living wills do not pass assets and property after death. Instead, it is a mechanism to communicate to your family and doctors how you want medical care conducted when you aren't able. Your living will…
Managing Your Wealth Through Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts
The federal estate tax exemption allowance appears to be under threat of being reduced, which may mean it is time to rethink your approach to passing wealth on to your heirs. Senate Democrats are proposing to lower the current estate…
The Estate Planning Process for Individuals with Special Needs
How are special needs defined? The term special needs refer to those with learning difficulties, behavioral or emotional problems, or physical disabilities requiring specialized education. For example, individuals with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, dyscalculia, dyslexia, deafness, blindness, and…
Living Trusts: How They Can Benefit Seniors
It's unfortunate that seniors are often prime targets for financial abuse and scams. Sadly, the elderly are often taken advantage of by strangers — and sometimes even their own family members. That’s why it’s important that planning is in place…