Category Archives: Elder Law
Is it Time to Update Your Advance Directives?
Advance directives like living wills and powers of attorney are an essential part of any estate plan. Should you become incapacitated, you will need someone to manage your finances and make healthcare decisions for you. However, many people fail to update their advance directives as circumstances change, and as a result they are not… Read More »
3 Problems when Administering a Trust
Many people make a trust an integral part of their estate plan. Trusts can offer many advantages, including the ability to pass assets outside probate. However, someone needs to administer the trust. Many people serve as the initial trustee, but after their deaths someone must take over, often a family member or a close… Read More »
Protecting Seniors from Identity Theft
Senior citizens are popular targets for identity thieves. Not only do many seniors have more savings than younger people, but many are isolated from family and friends and will never report the theft. To protect yourself or a loved one from identity theft, follow the tips below. Avoid Giving Out Personal Information Identity thieves… Read More »
Watch for Signs of Caregiver Stress
Taking care of an elderly spouse or other relative is a stressful experience. Many caregivers suffer in silence, afraid to reach out for help as they put their own needs behind those of their loved one. Unfortunately, as doctors have been warning for years, being a caregiver is an exhausting experience. Many people will… Read More »
Three Common Misconceptions About Medicaid Planning
For most middle-class people, Medicaid planning is an essential part of any estate plan. Although people might think they can draft their own will with the help of online software, the truth is that Medicaid planning requires a trip to the lawyer’s office. However, many people hesitate to contact us about Medicaid planning, perhaps… Read More »
Considerations When Naming A Beneficiary To Your Retirement Account
To have a proper estate plan, you will need either a will or a trust (or both). However, some property will pass outside of probate by other means. One such asset will be your retirement account. Once you identify who you want to receive your benefits after you die, you will designate them by… Read More »
Medicare Part A Coverage
Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of patient care in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, and is a great benefit to have as a senior. If you are 65 or older and entitled to Social Security benefits, you are eligible for Part A. Even better, there is no charge for premiums, unlike… Read More »
How To Talk To An Elderly Parent About Assisted Living
Many of our parents will retain their independence into their 70s and even into their 80s. But there usually comes a time when Mom or Dad (or both) can no longer take care of themselves. At some point, you will need to discuss whether your elderly parent should move into an assisted living facility—and… Read More »
Keeping Good Records For Your Survivors
After death, a personal representative will need to collect the assets of your estate and work to pay off any creditors you owe money to. Even in the best situations, this can be a lot of work, and few people have the time to act as a personal representative in a full-time capacity. As… Read More »
Choosing A Successor Trustee
A revocable living trust can be an important part of any estate plan. When creating the trust, you appoint yourself as trustee to oversee the management of the trust assets. But what happens when you die, or if you become incapacitated and can no longer make decisions? In these situations, someone else needs to… Read More »
