Whether you are a senior yourself, or you are the loved one of one, the subject of moving to a “retirement” or “assisted living” community is bound to come up at some point. Putting off the decision to move to an assisted living community is understandable – most people prefer to remain in their own home as long as possible. As a recent news article discusses though, waiting too long to consider making the move to an assisted living facility may come at a price, and that price may just be the … [Read more...] about Seniors Fear Waiting Too Long to Move to Assisted Living
BLOG
Trusts for Privacy
Trusts have many uses. Perhaps the most important is that they can provide privacy at death. Garry Shandling is thought to have used a trust to provide privacy for those he left behind. See the following article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert. Trusts for Privacy … [Read more...] about Trusts for Privacy
What’s a 529 Plan and What Are the Benefits to Using One?
Would you be interested in a way to save money for education and get tax benefits simultaneously? A 529 plan might be what you’re seeking. Find out more by reading the benefits of a 529 plan in this article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert. What’s a 529 Plan and What Are the Benefits to Using One? … [Read more...] about What’s a 529 Plan and What Are the Benefits to Using One?
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2
Lottery winners often end up in bankruptcy. Learn how an estate planning attorney can help you avoid mistakes and plan for your newfound wealth. The article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at ways to protect the wealth and ways to benefit charity and others. Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2 … [Read more...] about Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2
New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance Coming Soon: The Window of Opportunity is Closing Quickly!
The Veteran’s Administration is beginning asset limits for qualification for the Aid & Attendance benefit. The limit goes into effect on October 18, 2018. If transfers are made prior to October 18, 2018, they will escape penalties on the transfer and the client would qualify. Read the following article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an attorney and estate planning expert, for more information on this unique opportunity. New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance … [Read more...] about New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance Coming Soon: The Window of Opportunity is Closing Quickly!
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
A lucky winner recently won $320 million in the lottery. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at an example of a prior winner’s mistakes. The next article in the series will examine strategies for lottery winners. Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2 … [Read more...] about Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
Common Planning Traps to Avoid
You can, likely, benefit from the mistakes of others. For your review, here are 17 common estate planning traps to avoid. If any of these mistakes seem to apply to you, consult with an experienced, qualified estate planning attorney. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (Benjamin Franklin.) Dying without a legally valid, effective will or trust. Not having a recent, comprehensive financial/general durable power of attorney in place. Failing to own your assets properly. … [Read more...] about Common Planning Traps to Avoid
Estate Planning Q and A: Part III of III
One of the best parts of an estate planning attorney’s job is answering client questions. It’s an essential part of the estate planning process so we’ve outlined some of your questions below. This is part III in our three part estate planning question series. What does an advance health care directive do? An advance health care directive, sometimes called a medical power of attorney or durable power of attorney for health care, authorizes named health care agents to make health care … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Q and A: Part III of III
Estate Planning Q and A: Part II of III
One of the best parts of an estate planning attorney’s job is answering client questions. It’s an essential part of the estate planning process so we’ve outlined some of your questions below. This is part II in our three part estate planning question series. Do I have to leave my children an inheritance? No, even minor children are not legally entitled to an inheritance. Many would argue that there is a moral obligation to leave funds for the care of minor children. If you choose not … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Q and A: Part II of III
Estate Planning Q and A: Part I of III
One of the best parts of an estate planning attorney’s job is answering client questions. It’s an essential part of the estate planning process so we’ve outlined some of your questions below. I don’t want my ex-spouse to have control over my money. What do I do? Your ex-spouse will not have control over any of your assets so long as you give your minor children’s inheritances in a trust with a named trustee that you have hand picked. What if I don’t want my sister-in-law to raise my … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Q and A: Part I of III
