It might seem cost-effective to do your own estate planning. However, it can be costly in the end, both financially and in terms of family well-being. Estate planning involves important decisions about how your assets will be distributed after you…
Your adult life is divided into two halves: the first half is spent achieving financial security, and the second half is spent trying to maintain it. This adage is why many people spend substantial time and effort maximizing their legacy…
Probate may sound complex and expensive, but it is a standard legal process that formalizes the transfer of assets from a deceased person to their beneficiaries. Whether or not you require probate depends on the type of property and how…
Incapacity due to trauma or disease is something nobody wants to think about. People experience this every day, unfortunately. With this knowledge, many people like to prepare in advance for the kind of treatment they want in the event of…
After you pass away, a letter of intent (LOI) for your special needs child can provide comfort and continuity for them. As a parent, the most valuable asset your child has is you and your ability to care for them.…
In the event that you are no longer able to manage your financial affairs, who should you trust to make decisions for your financial well-being? A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the…
In nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the elderly, it is critical to be vigilant for abuse signs. The National Center on Elder Abuse reports the most common types of abuse include physical (29%), psychological (21%), gross neglect (14%),…
Planning an estate involves creating a number of documents that outline an individual’s wishes. During the process, you can name people to make financial decisions on your behalf when you are unable. You can designate beneficiaries for your assets. You…
The living will is a legal document that describes your medical preferences if you can’t make those decisions for yourself. Incapacity can happen for many reasons, including an accident, an illness rendering you too sick to communicate, dementia, anesthesia, a…
Special needs trusts are often established and funded by families caring for someone with special needs. It can provide peace of mind to improve a family member’s future quality of life without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. However, families…