Understanding the Probate Process
The probate court is the legal process of validating a person's will and ensuring an executor handles the decedent's assets, debts, and final tax filings by law and according to the decedent's wishes. To begin probate, a personal representative or executor must file with the county court where the decedent
Vacation Home Considerations for Estate Planning
Many families enjoy spending time in their family vacation home. Sharing time and creating memories is the hallmark of such properties, and often there is a desire to preserve the home's ownership within the family system for generations to come. Yet, even seemingly harmonious families can experience discord and exasperation
Act Now to Validate Aging Powers of Attorney
My uncle is in the hospital and needs me to pay bills on his behalf. In 2002, he named me as his financial power of attorney, so I could write checks for him when he couldn't, like now. But the bank is rejecting the document. They say it's too old.
An Estate Plan Is Necessary to Make Sure Your Final Wishes Are Carried Out
To be sure your final end-of-life wishes are followed; you must prepare an estate plan. Many put off making these plans thinking there is always time. The sad reality is that none of us are guaranteed time. Others may be bothered by the thought of death itself and allow this
Advance Health-Care Directives for Important Decisions
Imagining how we may perish is probably one of the hardest things we will ever have to think about. Yet, if we want our dying to be meaningful and merciful, it is imperative that we think about it while we still can. Most of us want to die at home,
The Importance of Clear End-of-Life Care Instructions
You would hope your living will was properly prepared and your resuscitation instructions or DNR (do not resuscitate) are in order. While your wishes in a living will may be appropriately documented, that does not guarantee the instructions will be carried out as you stated. The frightening truth is that
Elderly Americans Experiencing a Rise in Bankruptcy
A rising number of retirees and aging Americans are using bankruptcy as an option to get out of debt. While medical advances are keeping seniors alive longer, the associated healthcare costs in the quest for longevity are being off-loaded onto the older individual at a time when reduced income is
Elder Law and Prenuptial Agreements
As a married couple grow older, let’s use Ginny and George as an example, it is typical that they would like to leave their assets to their extended family when they pass. Unfortunately, Ginny was then diagnosed with cancer. She began to worry: What could happen if she died before George
The Benefits of Having an Elder Law Attorney
As retired Americans grow older, their dependency on the family to handle financial and health matters increase. They often believe that their family members will be able to take care of any issues that arise. While consulting with loved ones about plans and wishes can be beneficial, relying solely on
It Is Critical to Have a Health Care Power of Attorney
For serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s, it is essential to have a strong power-of-attorney to bring peace of mind. Additionally, it is important to know that a good “basic” advance-directive document needs considerable supplementation when it comes to a dreadful illness like ALS – Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ordinarily,