Your Guide to the Senior Safe Act
The Senior Safe Act, signed into law by President Trump earlier this year, is designed to protect our elders from financial abuse from either within a family or support system or by scam artists preying upon them. Tens of billions of dollars each year are illegally taken from US seniors
What to Discuss with Your Aging Parent
Your parent is getting on in age, but you don't have a clear idea if there is a plan in place for their care. It is a difficult topic to broach; no one wants to talk about death and the financial realities that come with aging. Instead of having a
A Dementia Diagnosis May Tell You Where to Live
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report acknowledging that from 2000 to 2017 deaths in the US that have dementia as an underlying cause has more than tripled. Underlying Alzheimer's disease accounts for more than 46% (261,914) of those deaths in 2017. The trend is
Digital Afterlife: An Estate Plan For Your Facebook Account
Did you ever wonder what happens to your digital footprint when you pass away? Well you should, particularly if you are part of the 77 percent of Americans who go online every day. As the internet has become more of an integral part of our lives, our information — pictures,
Retirement Planning for Business Owners
For many employees, saving for retirement is usually a matter of simply participating in their employer’s 401(k) plan and perhaps opening an IRA for some extra savings. But, when you’re the owner of a business, planning for retirement requires proactivity and strategy. It’s not just the dizzying array of choices for
Finding the Right Fit: Questions For Prospective Wills and Trusts Attorneys
It goes without saying that estate planning is incredibly important and is more than just having a will or a trust. Estate planning offers a sense of security for you and your loved ones that your wishes will be carried out. With such an important and personal endeavor, selecting the
What to Do with Your Beloved Collection
Whether your beloved collection consists of artwork, books, cars, music, or other significant items, you should not forget about this valuable asset when estate planning. You have likely spent quite some time — whether years or your entire life — building your collection; you should not leave its fate to
Steps For Starting the End-of-Life Conversation
No one likes to talk about death and dying, at least not their own. And yet, it’s a critical time in everyone’s life and we know we need to prepare for it. While many people would like to share their wishes, something always seems to keep us from openly communicating
Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance When You are Divorced
Consider this story. Beth’s divorce from her husband was recently finalized. Her most valuable assets are her retirement plan at work and her life insurance policy. She updated the beneficiary designations on both to be her two minor children. She did not want her ex-husband to receive the money. Beth passes
Powers of Attorney in Virginia Explained
Powers of attorney ordinarily form an important part of a comprehensive estate plan, whether in the form of an Durable General Power of Attorney or an Advance Medical Directive. Virginia adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, effective July 1, 2010. Read the text of the Act here: https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia…