My Spouse is Starting to Forget Things. When Is It Too Late to Get Estate Planning Documents?

My Spouse is Starting to Forget Things. When Is It Too Late to Get Estate Planning Documents?

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Caring for Aging Parents, Long Term Care Planning, Estate Planning

What if the day comes when you or your spouse is no longer able to make decisions about your health, finances, or future? Whether due to illness, injury, or age, losing the ability to manage your affairs can happen unexpectedly. In estate planning, capacity is the key factor that determines whether you can create or update essential documents like a will or power of attorney. So, how do you know when it's too late to act, and what happens if you miss your chance? Let’s explore why planning ahead is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Staying Safe in Winter Weather: Tips for Older Adults

Staying Safe in Winter Weather: Tips for Older Adults

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Caring for Aging Parents, Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning

Winter can be an enjoyable time of the year, with holidays, time with family, and winter scenery. But it can bring challenges, especially for older adults. Keeping a home warm enough can be expensive, staying warm while outside is more difficult, and driving, and even walking can be more dangerous. Here are some ways older adults can stay safe and warm during the winter months.

How Do Law Changes Affect My Legal, Financial, and Health Care Planning?

How Do Law Changes Affect My Legal, Financial, and Health Care Planning?

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning

As we age, maintaining a secure and stable future becomes increasingly important. However, the legal, financial, and healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, and staying informed about these changes is essential for protecting your interests. Law changes, whether local, state, or federal, can impact everything from estate planning and taxes to healthcare options and eligibility. Here’s why it’s critical to stay current with these changes and how they may affect your planning.

The Biggest Mistake in Estate Planning

The Biggest Mistake in Estate Planning

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning

As we age, thoughtful planning becomes essential to ensure that our future is secure and our hard-earned assets are protected. Many seniors worry about the consequences of dying without an estate plan, but an even more pressing issue is aging without a comprehensive safety net. Without proper planning, you could face significant challenges and stress during your later years. One of the most significant concerns is the lack of a safety net as you age.

Are You Playing the Long Game? You Need a Strategy for Your Long Term Care Plan

Are You Playing the Long Game? You Need a Strategy for Your Long Term Care Plan

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Long Term Care Planning

When planning for disability and end of life, it is important that the plan be made early while you are still competent to express your wishes regarding care. One of the greatest concerns is what will happen to your spouse should long term care be required. Federal and State laws provide some protection of assets for the benefit of the community spouse, but planning ahead will allow you to maximize the amount that can be protected.

Don’t Let Death Get the Best of You (Copy)

Don’t Let Death Get the Best of You (Copy)

Lisa Hostetler Brown

“From my cold, dead hands”, is also how many people view their financial assets.  When planning for the inevitable, it is important to consider how your assets will pass when you do.  An unsophisticated estate plan or…GASP… estate planning documents your sister-in-law printed off the internet may leave your hard-earned cash in the wrong hands.

Why your “will” isn’t good enough.

Why your “will” isn’t good enough.

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Estate Planning, Probate

People are often surprised when I tell them that their will is a ticket to court. The common misconception is that a will is all you need.  If you own, say a: house, car, bank account, some jewelry, and guns, and you are planning for your will to control their disposition, you may be unintentionally creating more work, more expense, and more drama for your loved ones. 

Elder Law Insights – Seek the Right Professional Help

Elder Law Insights – Seek the Right Professional Help

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Long Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Caring for Aging Parents

As the population ages and our elders encounter difficult financial, legal, and healthcare situations, the need for comprehensive planning has become evident. In this context, the role of professionals focused on these issues with a specific focus on elders becomes paramount. Certified elder law attorneys (CELAs) are equipped with the expertise to navigate the unique challenges that seniors may face.

Considering a Life Estate? Understand the Potential Problems

Considering a Life Estate? Understand the Potential Problems

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Estate Planning, Real Estate, Long Term Care Planning

Life estates are often used by attorneys to pass real estate to the next generation outside of the probate process. However, keep in mind that there are potential problems and risks to understand before creating a life estate. Even attorneys are often unaware of the issues surrounding life estate deeds. Continue reading to determine whether a life estate might be right for you.

Sports Talk Radio Interview- Why are Trusts important?

Sports Talk Radio Interview- Why are Trusts important?

Lisa Hostetler Brown
Estate Planning, Long Term Care Planning, Caring for Aging Parents, Special Needs

When we talk about trusts, we talk about having a plan- what is going to happen in your life- out of the blue or after aging takes place? Do I have things set up so that my family is not overwhelmed by the details? Make sure your family is taken care of with a gameplan ahead of time. The legal document should correspond to your plan.

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