The first thing you should do at the start of the probate process, whether you are the Executor or an heir, is to understand the lawyer’s role. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is understanding…
A family member or friend may need you to be their power of attorney. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For example, they might become disabled or incapacitated, and…
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…
The future is a big unknown for everyone. Significant uncertainty abounds as to the outcomes of US tax legislation proposals. Estate and gift tax exemptions may get cut in half or not, and whatever happens will likely affect all deaths…
Family disagreements about a parent’s end-of-life care and inheritance can get so serious they may end up in a legal filing and court case. You can take steps moving beyond the possibility this might happen and create (or amend) your…
The probate process involves authenticating the deceased individual’s will, assessing the assets, settling debts and taxes, and overseeing the allocation of the inheritance. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will’s executor to administer the probate process.…
Sandy worked full time and was the sole caretaker for her 85-year old mother. Sandy would help her mom in the evenings and weekends. Unfortunately, Sandy was in a serious car accident and would be out of work for at…
Did you know the largest single minority in this country are the 58 million Americans five years of age or older that are identified as special needs? The majority of federal and state benefits available to help persons with disabilities…
Even though we have experienced a cycle of more than 10 years of economic growth, many wealthy retirees are reluctant to spend money for fear of running out of cash. Bloomberg.com is reporting many retirees, and near-retirees are sitting on…
Medical and health care developments have made it feasible for dependents with special needs to live higher-quality lives than ever before. Many scientists regard the term special needs as a euphemism for disability. Yet, the difference between the two terms…