Estate planning is often viewed as a once-off task that can be filed away once completed. However, without being aware of the potential impact, people will make gifts during their lifetime or change listed beneficiaries on accounts which can have enormous…
When you die, your assets and property are not distributed according to your living will. 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 is…
Almost everyone has heard of trusts, typically in reference to someone or something who is the beneficiary of one. Some may believe that only wealthy people have trusts, but they are common and useful tools when creating estate plans of all…
You can appoint a trusted individual to make decisions or conduct transactions on your behalf using a power of attorney. They could be related to personal finances, business operations, or medical needs and used for a single immediate purpose or an…
There have been dramatic changes in family structures for the past fifty years. Social and demographic changes of the late twentieth century and into the twenty-first see more cohabitating couples, same-sex couples, and increasing numbers of single-parent families and extended…
ABA describes probate as the legal process by which a will is given formal recognition and a personal representative (executor) is appointed to administer the estate. Navigating the probate process will vary according to state law. Therefore, it is good to…
The elder law area encompasses a wide range of legal matters that affect older people or disabled individuals. Attorneys who practice elder law advocate for, and create legal plans to assist, seniors and their loved ones in living better lives. Elder…
Whatever the case, whether it's identifying someone to be your estate's executor or you accept the responsibility of being the executor, there are certain factors to consider - the complexity of the job and the order in which to accomplish…
Estate planning is essential to most older adults. Still, nearly half of Americans age 55 and older have no will, and fewer still have powers of attorney, a living will, or health care directives. You can use these documents to…
Domestic violence encompasses violent acts or threats between two people, whether married, living together, or dating. There may be a child in common or children from a previous relationship that may require protection. Although heinous crimes like murder and rape…