A person with intellectual and developmental disabilities, also known as I/DD, has varying conditions that impact their ability to adapt to daily life and social skills, as well as their ability as follows: Reason Learn Problem-solve Live independently I/DD is, in essence, the adult ter...
The equitable division of assets among children is the logical and right decision in many situations. Yet, in some families, each child receiving the same inheritance can be inappropriate, deplete the estate's assets due to ensuing litigation, or cause other family issues after you are gone. Whil...
Grieving after losing a spouse or long-term partner can make it difficult to see beyond your grief. However, it is crucial to understand there are important and timely decisions you need to make regarding your finances and personal estate plan. In truth, estate planning is perpetual as it account...
It may have taken years for you to cultivate and protect your legacy for future generations. But have you thought about the impact it will have on family members who are in different stages of life after you are gone? It's crucial that your loved ones are ready for the responsibility and use thei...
Despite its negative reputation, probate can sometimes be avoided or minimized with thoughtful estate planning. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what probate is in conjunction with careful estate planning can m...
Banking and bill-paying can become more difficult as we age, however incapacitation from an accident or sudden illness can strike at any age and present the same challenges. Incapacity is not just about mental cognition, accident, or illness. You may have a loved one who cannot drive themselves t...
An estate plan consists of several documents that outline a person's wishes. During the process, you can name people to make financial decisions on your behalf when you are unable. You can designate beneficiaries for your assets. You can also express your wishes for what type of medical care you ...
A special needs trust (SNT) is usually created and funded by the grantor (the person who creates the trust). However, it is crucial to choose a successor trustee who will continue properly managing the SNT to benefit the individual with special needs. When selecting a reliable, honest, and capabl...
There is no way to predict what the future holds for any of us. It takes planning to preserve our health and wealth. Whatever happens, estate planning attorneys can help you legally reduce your estate and income taxes to protect your assets and family legacy. Creating a strategic estate plan is a...
When your loved one dies without a will, known as intestate, what happens? According to your state's intestacy laws, a probate court will oversee the distribution process of the decedent's property. Also known as intestate succession, it has similarities to the probate process when a will is pres...
You need to take practical and legal steps to plan for your child's transition to adulthood as they turn eighteen. Begin well before their birthday to ease the transition and ensure they continue receiving their government benefits as an adult. If they require life planning and decision-making ov...
The power of attorney plays a key role in planning for your incapacity and appointing someone you trust to manage your affairs. These legal documents can grant broad authority to one or more power of attorney agents to transact business or make medical decisions based on your behalf. What are th...
Estate planning documents such as wills, living wills, powers of attorney, trusts, medical directives, and financial information should be kept securely. Additionally, you need to securely store information about birth certificates, marriage licenses, even divorce decrees, as well as medical reco...
It is common for aging Americans to entrust family members or friends with the management of their finances, health, and other affairs during retirement and beyond. They often believe that their family members will be able to take care of any issues that arise. While consulting with loved ones ab...
A lack of a plan leaves your family's financial legacy to the court's administration of your state's intestacy laws. Dying without an estate plan or a basic will creates confusion, work, and heartache for your family at a time when they should be mourning your loss. Aside from not having an estat...
Accidental falls are one of the most common causes of injuries among seniors. Debilitating injuries range from short-term sprains, bumps, and bruises to fractures and head traumas which may require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one out of five ...
The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every single day. The deluge of aging Americans and the increase in longevity in the already 65 plus population are the main reasons why the Social Security and Medicare programs are expected to have fi...
Estate planning and elder law differ from each other when it comes to planning for your future financial affairs and health care needs. Estate planning and elder law also have some similarities. Even though these two types of law are for different stages in life, they are often handled at the sam...
Whenever people are vulnerable or in need, criminals emerge out of the woodwork, and today we need no reminder of how many of us find ourselves in precisely that situation. The opportunities to exploit fear and need are especially rich and varied in the Covid environment. ABC News reports that as...
During this Covid-19 epidemic, an especially wrenching question demands an answer: how far would you want extreme life-prolonging measures taken if you or someone you love were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness? For us who are particularly vulnerable – seniors, those with compromised im...
I don't own much with my family. Wouldn't it be better to wait until we're able to afford to plan? Â You shouldn't. It is crucial to give legal authority to a person of your choice, to care for your children if anything should happen to you. You don't want your children to become wards of the co...
Medicaid and inheritances can both be subject to mistakes and these can be expensive. When a person is drawing Medicaid benefits and inherits money or property, that inheritance jeopardizes the benefits. The inheritance must be handled carefully to minimize expensive penalties. What “careful†...
There is a report published by the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) entitled Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. The findings give pause when contemplating the future of many Americans who will be living with crippling dementia. Health care and long-term care costs for individuals with Alzhei...
Who inherits a beneficiary's estate when he or she dies? You may be wondering whether if you leave property to your brother Jim, but he dies before you, would his kids inherit the property in his place? The answer is, only if your will explicitly states as much. To ensure your document is correct...
Providing care to aging relatives is a natural habit of families. The love and care many adult children receive growing up become reciprocal, particularly in the case of their aging parents. But with the advent of longer lives, it is not atypical that a senior parent may still be caring for their...