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
Does Your Estate Plan Account For a Pandemic Like COVID-19?
COVID-19 will probably be with us humans forever, endemic in large swaths of the world in varying degrees of intensity. According to National Geographic, COVID-19 may eventually transition into a "mild childhood illness," joining the four endemic human coronaviruses which contribute to the common cold. Three determining factors, human immunity retention
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
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
Keeping Up With Your Mental Health During Covid
Since the Coronavirus infected the world, we have faced unprecedented challenges during this coronavirus crisis in America, and it has increased anxiety and fear levels in all of us. The reactive part of your brain called the amygdala, a human physiological response when faced with fear, takes control of your
What it means to Become a “Fiduciary”
You may be asked to be a 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 incapacitated, and they would need a trusted person to step
Your Personal Possessions: Make Sure You Have a Plan
Let’s say that your estate plan is all set. It will be taking care of your home, savings, and investments, making sure that your family will get those valuable estate items fairly and efficiently. Your plan will also protect your legacy from your children’s potential divorces or bankruptcies. What could