If your parents are aging, bring up topics such as the Coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and how it relates to their future financial security. The conversation should come from a place of love and concern. Speak respectfully…
Estate planning is considered essential by most older adults. Yet, nearly half of Americans age 55 or more do not have a will, and even fewer have designated powers of attorney, a living will, or health care directives. These documents…
In a comprehensive estate plan, it is crucial to include a power of attorney assigning who will be your trusted agent to manage your affairs. These legal documents can grant broad authority to one or more power of attorney agents…
The need for estate planning becomes more and more critical as we get older. Many people avoid estate planning because they do not want to think about the end of life, failing health, or disability. Others believe that an estate…
Just like you should visit your doctor for a yearly check-up, you should review your estate planning documents annually to make sure they are up-to-date. Children grow up, marriages dissolve, property gets sold, residences change. That’s why we recommend that…
Most young adults don’t consider estate planning a priority. Young adults in their twenties and thirties often think they don't own enough to constitute an estate. However, an estate is the total of all you own – money, investments, real…
At some point in your life, you may be faced with a request to become a power of attorney for a friend or family member. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of…
In the eyes of the law, an estate is the combined assets a person owns and is therefore not exclusively for wealthy individuals because most people own something. Property ownership includes individual as well as jointly owned bank accounts, stocks…
The person you trust to manage your obligations when you are no longer capable, need to be chosen with care. A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and…
My family and I don’t own much. Can’t we put off planning until we can afford it? You shouldn’t. It is crucial to give legal authority to a person of your choice, to care for your children if anything should…