New partnerships are forming among older Americans who have experienced widowhood or divorce (in record numbers). The US Census Bureau reports that more than half of all older adults have only married once, opting to stay legally single in their future relationships. Cohabitating…
You should include Power of Attorney (POA) documents in your estate planning process. Most states recognize powers of attorney, but each state has its own rules and requirements. The document gives one or more individuals the legal authority to act…
There is no question that seniors are prime targets for financial abuse and scams. That’s why senior protection plans are so important. As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to manage our assets. Most of us will, at some…
Disputes regarding guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, real estate, and gifts may arise during probate litigation. The most successful approach to mitigating or avoiding probate litigation risk is carefully planning for the future. Comprehensive estate plans that are routinely updated, careful consideration and…
In the wake of losing a spouse or long-term partner, it can be difficult to think beyond your grief. However, it is crucial to realize you need to make important and timely decisions regarding your finances and personal estate planning.…
The date of death of the testamentary is usually published in a local newspaper by a personal representative (executor). In part, this information serves as notice to creditors if the decedent has an outstanding debt with them. The personal representative…
Due to the threat of lowering the federal estate tax exemption allowance, you may want to rethink how you intend to pass generational wealth on to your heirs. Senate Democrats are proposing to lower the current estate tax exemption from $12.06…
Estate planning involves many different types of trusts; the most common are revocable and irrevocable. Though there are some similarities, these two types of trusts serve different purposes. Both can substitute for a last will and testament as an alternative…
Those who become quite elderly or ill are also vulnerable to being manipulated by those who would defraud or steal them. Targeted attacks on vulnerable older people to exert what attorneys deem “undue influence” constitutes elder abuse. It disrupts the older…