Are you the parent of a special needs child or the caregiver of a family member with special needs? Are you concerned about their future should something happen to you leaving you incapacitated, or ever what might happen following your passing? These are not uncommon concerns, even for those who are not parents. Even if you are a loved one with a family member who has special needs, these concerns are ever-present. What is going to happen? What can we do to prepare? Special needs planning is a … [Read more...] about What is Special Needs Planning?
Why is Incapacity Planning Important?
Life can turn on a dime without any warning, and things can rapidly change without you even realizing it is happening. One day you could be just fine and loving life, and the next day you could be lying in a hospital bed clinging to life. Yes, it can happen that fast – even faster in some situations! What do you do, though? While you can’t prevent things from happening because it is, after all, unexpected – you can put some plans into place. Incapacity planning, believe it or not, is an … [Read more...] about Why is Incapacity Planning Important?
Avoid Estate Litigation
Are you aware of estate litigation traps? Chances are, like most people, you do not. Because people whom are not involved with law practices may fall into these traps, it is important to work with an estate planning lawyer experienced with estate litigation. The more experienced your estate planning lawyer is with the process of estate litigation, the least likely your estate is to fall upon these issues. There are many facets to the estate planning process ranging from complex to … [Read more...] about Avoid Estate Litigation
Put the Proper Estate Plan Tools Into Place
There are a large number of estate planning tools your estate planning lawyer is experienced with, and understands that you are not. Because there are so many options to explore and tools to put into place, it will be necessary to meet with your estate planning lawyer regularly until everything is complete. Even then, meetings will follow regularly in order to keep all the documents up to date. Often times, people believe they only have to worry about their estate plan during the planning … [Read more...] about Put the Proper Estate Plan Tools Into Place
Can You Avoid Estate Litigation?
Are you concerned your estate is going to go into litigation following your passing? Estate litigation is the process by which the estate is being contested by one or more parties. If you are worried about this happening with your estate, discuss your concerns with your estate planning lawyer. There are a number of ways to avoid these costly court proceedings. These include the following: Gift your assets: because so many fights occur over sentimental property following someone’s passing, … [Read more...] about Can You Avoid Estate Litigation?
20 Reasons You Should Consider Estate Planning
It can be extremely easy to put off your estate planning needs. This is because you may feel that planning is unnecessary, or that your other responsibilities are more important…or that you’ll get around to it someday. The truth is, everyone should take the time to plan as soon as possible. Take a look at the following 20 reasons, to better understand the importance of planning. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to begin your estate planning, contact an estate planning … [Read more...] about 20 Reasons You Should Consider Estate Planning
Avoid Elder Abuse by Carefully Researching Nursing Homes
Choosing between nursing homes can be one of the most difficult decisions that you may have to make, ever. If you’re helping a loved one choose a nursing home, you likely want to take extra care. By researching carefully, you can ensure that you’re choosing a high quality facility that will meet your loved one’s needs. You can also take steps to avoid possible elder abuse. Take a look at the following information, to learn more. If you have any questions about specific nursing homes, contact … [Read more...] about Avoid Elder Abuse by Carefully Researching Nursing Homes
Is It Time to Make Changes to My Will?
Creating a will is an important aspect to estate planning. When as the last time that you took a look at your will? 5 years ago? 10 years ago? Take a look at the following information, to understand when you may need to make changes. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to review your will, contact an estate planning attorney. A will is only effective if it’s current; otherwise, it’s likely useless. You likely want to make sure that your current wishes are respected. If you … [Read more...] about Is It Time to Make Changes to My Will?
Defining Elder Law
Elder law is a relatively new area within the law that has emerged to deal with the fastest growing segment of the population – senior citizens. With seniors more active and living longer than ever before, a more specialized area has emerged to deal with their specific needs. Elder law combines several elements of the legal profession to assist the elderly, as well as their loved ones, with many needs, including estate planning, estate taxes, advance medical directives, Medicaid and Medicare … [Read more...] about Defining Elder Law
Mistakes that Families Make With Medicaid and Nursing Home Expenses
Medicaid often enters the lives of senior citizens when it comes to paying for the catastrophic costs of nursing home care. Not being familiar with the complex Medicaid system, many families make mistakes within this confusing area of elder law. Some of the most common mistakes include: 1. Relying on Medicare or health insurance to pay nursing home expenses. Neither Medicare nor regular health insurance pays for the cost of long-term care in a nursing home. With the average cost of … [Read more...] about Mistakes that Families Make With Medicaid and Nursing Home Expenses
