When it comes to deciding how to leave property to your children, the clearest choice is often to divide assets into equal shares. That is the straightforward choice when all your children are doing equally well. But if not –…
Knowing the lawyer’s role is one of the first steps you should take when starting the probate process, no matter if you’re the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is understanding…
A record 53 million people in the United States are care providers for an older family member. About 17 percent of the US population is a family caregiver, and most are losing sleep, worrying, losing income, struggling to balance caregiving tasks with…
Low-income seniors with limited assets and income can afford health care and long-term care through Medicaid, a federal/state program. Many seniors believe their only option to qualify for the program is to “spend down” their assets. While this is true…
It is essential that as your parents’ age, you have conversations with them about their finances and long term plans. To broach the topic, you might bring up current events like the coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and…
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, we have been forced to think about our mortality and evaluate how our loved ones would be taken care of should we die unexpectedly. Life insurance can be an affordable way to provide for…
The future is a big unknown for everyone. Significant uncertainty abounds as to the outcomes of US tax legislation proposals. Estate and gift tax exemptions may get cut in half or not, and whatever happens will likely affect all deaths…
For serious health conditions like ALS and Alzheimer’s it is vital to have a strong power of attorney. Additionally, it is important to know that a good “basic” advance-directive document needs considerable supplementation when it comes to a dreadful illness…
A trust is a great mechanism for handling estate business and it can be beneficial to anyone with any number of assets. You want to keep your affairs private and stay out of probate court? Maybe you have stepchildren? You…
Imagining the likelihood of a deadly illness or injury is not something people like to think about. Because of this, we rarely think about how to protect ourselves and our loved ones if the worst were to happen. However, just…