If you are like many people, your home is your most valuable asset, and you want your children to inherit that value upon your passing. However, you are also concerned about planning for the future, declining health, and the potential…
It can be difficult and emotionally draining to contemplate financial matters and make long-term life decisions via estate planning. However, it is crucial to wisely manage your assets while aging and provide for the family members who will survive you. Your…
In their golden years, baby boomers will require more care. Some may be able to get the care they need at home from a family member or in the form of hired help. Many will need to move into long-term care…
It is the responsibility of a personal representative (executor) to publish a public record of the date of death of a testator, usually in a local newspaper. In part, this information serves as notice to creditors if the decedent has…
It is becoming increasingly popular to age in place; however, what to do when you notice a loved one is having difficulty living alone is a concern for many of us. Troublesome signs like a dirty home in poor repair,…
A trust is a great mechanism for handling estate business and it can be beneficial to anyone with any number of assets. You want to keep your affairs private and stay out of probate court? Maybe you have stepchildren? You…
A letter of intent (LOI), also referred to as a letter of instruction, communicates important information to your loved ones that may not be covered in the general estate planning documents. Your LOI is a valuable piece in your estate…
Kevin was watching his wife Winnie in her nursing home room with tears in his eyes. The medical staff just finished inserting a feeding tube into Winnie – an act Kevin knew she didn’t want. Unfortunately, Winnie couldn’t express her…
Parents need to instill family values at an early age to ensure the adoption of these family values. Undoubtedly the best time to teach and empower your children as eventual inheritors of your family legacy is during childhood, then continuing…
You may have heard that it's best to avoid probate court if you can. But just because people may have heard that term, doesn’t mean they know exactly what probate means, why it can be a problem, or how to…