A Health Care Power of Attorney appoints someone to make decisions for you if you’re not able to do so for yourself. An Advance Directive expresses your wishes regarding end-of-life decisions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to have them up-to-date. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, offers the following timely advice. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
Estate Planning
Basics of Powers of Attorney
A power of attorney, or POA, is a legal document that has been around in varying forms for centuries. The concept, or purpose, behind a power of attorney is the ability to give another person the legal authority to act on your behalf. The extent and the duration of the authority depends on the type of POA that you execute. Although POAs are widely used by people of all ages, they are particularly popular with the elderly. Unfortunately, they are also widely used by people who want to take … [Read more...] about Basics of Powers of Attorney
What is an Assignment and Nominee Agreement?
What’s an “Assignment and Nominee” agreement and what does it do? Prudent attorneys use such an agreement as a belt and suspenders approach to funding. We include this critical planning tool in each trust-based estate plan we create for our clients. See the following discussion of them by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about What is an Assignment and Nominee Agreement?
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3 of 3
Leaving assets to your adult children or other beneficiaries may seem simple. But in many situations, it can be quite tricky. For example, if you have a beneficiary with special needs, you must take special care. This last installment of a 3 part series by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, explores these sometimes thorny issues. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3 of 3
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2 of 3
Leaving assets to your adult children or other beneficiaries may seem simple. But in many situations, it can be quite tricky. This second installment of a three part series by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, explores these sometimes thorny issues. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 2 of 3
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 1 of 3
Leaving assets to your adult children or other beneficiaries may seem simple. But in many situations, it can be quite tricky. This three part series by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, explores these sometimes thorny issues. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 1 of 3
What’s the Difference between a Will and Living Will?
You’ve probably heard of the terms “will” and “living will.” However, if you are like most people, it may be confusing to fully understand the differences between these terms. While they are both very different, it is important to implement both into your estate planning. Take a look at what both of these legal documents offer: A will, also known as a last will and testament, is only effective after you die. It has no effect during your lifetime. A living will is only effective during … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference between a Will and Living Will?
The Basics: “HIPAA” Powers
This is the third in a three-part series of articles on Powers of Attorney by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert. The first article examined the Financial Power of Attorney. This second article examines the Healthcare Power of Attorney and Advance Directive. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about The Basics: “HIPAA” Powers
The Basics: Powers of Attorney for Healthcare
Powers of Attorney are part of even the simplest estate plan. A Power of Attorney allows your Agent to act for you. There are Powers of Attorney for financial matters and also those for health care. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, concerns the Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about The Basics: Powers of Attorney for Healthcare
Low-Interest Loans: An Estate Planning Technique
The coronavirus has caused upheaval in society and the economy. But, this unique time also opens up opportunities in estate planning. Read this blog by my friend and colleague, Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn more. Low-Interest Loans: An Estate Planning Technique … [Read more...] about Low-Interest Loans: An Estate Planning Technique
