Recent Blog Posts
Why Titling Assets Is the Key to Effective Estate Planning
Putting together an effective estate plan takes a considerable amount of time and effort, but the mistake many people make after taking this step is not understanding how to keep this structure relevant and effective as circumstances change over time. Without this oversight, the intent and purpose of an estate plan can be rendered… Read More »
Proposed Bill Would Make Executing Estate Documents Easier
The ramifications of the documents created to form the foundation of an estate plan typically extend to encompass many people and central legal matters that govern a person’s life and property. Because of the importance of the information and authority these documents contain, they must be executed according to certain guidelines in order to… Read More »
The Best Ways to Transfer Real Estate
Owning property in this country is not only the goal of many Americans, it is much more accessible than property ownership in other places. Keeping property in the family is also an important part of the reason behind any purchase for most individuals, and this concern is particularly crucial when the primary owner dies… Read More »
How Do Courts Interpret Wills?
The effectiveness of any document, particularly those with legal consequences, rests on how well it was drafted. Wills can be especially tricky because they are commonly created years before they are needed and can never entirely account for the various changes in circumstances that can arise during this time. Thus, something that seemed clear… Read More »
Family Caregivers and Medicaid Eligibility
As family members age, it is not uncommon for them to experience physical and/or mental issues that require the services of a caregiver to keep them healthy and safe. Going to a nursing home is an option in this situation, but this may not be the desired scenario at this stage. Family members frequently… Read More »
Spousal Refusal and Asset Protection Planning for Medicaid Qualification
Admitting that one may need long-term and highly skilled medical care in a nursing home is not an easy concept to accept. For many, the thought is so unpleasant they fail to do anything to plan for this possibility, and then must scramble to qualify for Medicaid, which has strict income and asset limits…. Read More »
Can a Third-Party Refuse to Honor a Power of Attorney?
Well-developed estate plans often include a number of documents that collectively serve to provide a person with the oversight he/she wants of his/her property, as well as to ensure the individual’s wishes are followed in the event he/she becomes incapacitated. Powers of attorney are commonly used in estate plans, and typically authorize a third… Read More »
Choosing between an Individual and Corporate/Professional Trustee
Putting together a trust is a beneficial feature for many estate plans. Trusts, depending upon the type, can shield assets from creditors’ claims, and will allow the creator to control how his/her assets are treated after death. Working and sacrificing to amass property to pass onto loved ones is a goal for many individuals… Read More »
The Medicaid Waiting List: Do You Have Options?
Dealing with the disabilities that frequently accompany getting older is not an easy transition for anyone. Finding the money to pay someone to provide these services is beyond the reach of most individuals and their families. Medicaid is an option most seniors seek to access when health issues become too severe to handle without… Read More »
How Does the Probate Process Work?
When a loved one dies, there are many issues that need immediate attention in order to hold the funeral and cover pressing expenses. However, the bulk of dealing with the aftermath of death is addressing the distribution of the deceased’s assets. Hopefully, he/she executed an estate plan that outlines how property should be divided,… Read More »
