Most of us spend little time thinking about death or losing the capacity to manage our own affairs. These are unpleasant topics and banishing them from our minds is easier than entertaining them. Death, however, is inevitable and becoming incapacitated…
Takeaways Financial worries are a major contributor to stress. Proactive estate planning, such as creating a will, is one way to help reduce stress and provide a sense of control over one’s future. Stress can negatively affect mental and physical…
You should consider a power of attorney when planning for the possibility of becoming incapacitated and requiring a trusted agent to manage your affairs when you are incapacitated. These legal documents can grant broad authority to one or more power…
In Florida, Michael was enjoying the summer while he awaited the closing of his Texas house. Unfortunately, he took a bad fall and ended up in a Florida hospital. He had his Texas powers of attorney, but the problem was…
Having an estate plan is an essential part of life for all ages, but the need grows stronger as you age. Many people avoid estate planning because they do not want to think about the end of life, failing health,…
You have an estate plan and included in it is your living will with instructions for resuscitation. While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you…
Most young adults don’t consider estate planning a priority. Young adults in their twenties and thirties often think they don't own enough to constitute an estate. However, an estate is the total of all you own – money, investments, real…
About 50% of Americans do not currently have a will. While a will is a necessary document that every person who owns assets should have, it is still a relatively simple document that may not cover everything you want it…
Can I just add my children to my bank accounts if I want to leave my bank holdings to them? That idea sounds better than it actually is. Yes, you would avoid court proceedings when you pass. But you’d put…
You may be asked to be the power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For example, they might become disabled or…