Wills
It’s unbelievable, but 2019 is almost over. As we approach the new year, it’s time to start thinking about new year’s resolutions. This year it’s time to make estate planning a part of your new year’s resolutions. Like most people, you’ve probably been putting off your estate planning. It can seem too confusing, too expensive,…
Your estate planning documents should be updated regularly. They are not meant for you to “set it and forget it.” We recommend that everyone follow the following rule of thumb for updating their advance directives: Whenever there is a new decade, death, diagnosis, divorce, decline, or change in domicile, it’s time to update your…
Get yourself a will because dying without one, “intestate,” is a drag for everyone. Not everyone has a will – even Prince died without one. Imagine, all that money and one of the greatest performers didn’t spend a little of it on sorting out his estate. We know that death is inevitable, but we continue to…
There are many legal terms for the roles we can play in an older adults life. Have you ever been asked if you are the guardian or the power of attorney for someone? What does it mean when you hear that someone is the executor or trustee for someone else? How about conservator—what is that?…
For married couples, updating wills and beneficiary designations are important parts of Medicaid planning. Most of our clients have “I Love You” wills that leave everything to their spouse after their death. Likewise, their assets have their spouses as the Payable on Death Beneficiaries. This can be a huge issue if the spouse is receiving…
“Do I need to update my will? My situation is very straightforward, and I don’t think anything has changed.” We are often asked this question, and everyone hopes that the answer is: “No—whatever you put in place 15 years ago is probably still fine.” Unfortunately, there are many reasons your will might need to be…
We often hear from family members that assume it’s too late for their loved one to create and sign a new will because the person has dementia. Yes, at some point in the disease process, a person living with dementia will lose the capacity to sign legal documents. Having a diagnosis of dementia, however, does…
We hear this question quite a bit. An individual will call us asking, “Do I really need a will? My situation is really simple, and I don’t really own that much.” A will is a device that lets a person control who you want to give your assets to. Die without one, and the state…
It is important to keep in mind that not all assets are affected by the terms of a will. Bank accounts, trusts, and retirement accounts that have designated beneficiaries transfer to the beneficiaries; these assets never go through probate if they have another way of being transferred. Likewise, certain properties can be transferred to co-owners…
A parent’s unexpected health event could precipitate an immediate need to get your hands on key information and secure valuables. Before something happens, it is a good time to talk to aging parents about what you may need to provide someday. Some parents are hesitant to discuss personal matters, even with their children. For insight…
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