We develop comprehensive plans that incorporate the legal, financial, and health care needs of our clients.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
With proper elder law planning, almost everyone can avoid the court process known as probate. A comprehensive elder law plan that includes a thoughtful combination of trusts and asset titling can avoid the hassle and risks of probate. Don’t leave your family in a bind, plan ahead now!
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.
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.
Q: My loved one was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and I am overwhelmed with all that we are facing now. Where do we even begin?
A: This is everyone’s worst nightmare! But, do not fret; we have a solution for you.
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.
Concern: My spouse is sick and is starting to need a lot of care. We can’t afford the cost of my spouse’s care forever, and I’m worried that one day soon we will run out of money. I’ve heard that I either need to become impoverished or divorce my spouse in order to get Medicaid to pay for care. Do we have any other options?
Concern: I am a mother, daughter, full time employee, wife, and more. I am pulled in a million different directions trying to take care of my own family, and now my parents are having health issues and need care of their own. It’s a constant worry for me and I know I need help figuring out how best to manage it, but where do I start?
Concern: My mom got her Will on the Internet. Is she really protected?
Concern: I have a will, but I’ve heard that I might really need a trust. How do I figure out what is best for me?
Concern: My family member is not competent, but I need to help them with their finances. What are my options?
Concern: I know I need to create or update my estate planning documents, but I don’t know who to choose as my agent or agents.
Concern: I’m worried my parents might not be able to afford to pay for the care they need. What should I do?
