As the executor or personal representative of someone else's estate, you have been chosen by them because they deem you trustworthy to handle their assets and affairs after death. Even though the decedent nominated you to be their executor, you…
Legally validating a will, naming or validating a personal representative (executor), and transferring assets to intended beneficiaries is a process called probate. It also requires paying the decedent’s outstanding debts and federal and state taxes. Each state has different laws…
It is common knowledge that estate planning is important for older adults, but almost half of them lack a will or power of attorney, and even fewer have a living will or health care directive. These documents help guide your…
It's common for people to associate estate planning with wills and trusts and passing assets on to children. However, there is another part of estate planning that doesn’t get as much attention. It concerns advance health care planning. Have you…
Seniors and near-seniors are becoming increasingly vulnerable to fraud due to the increasing number of individuals online. Scammers are becoming more adept at mimicking communication similar to tech support employees, government employees, and romantic partners of senior citizens. Seniors are…
A probate court oversees the distribution of a decedent's property if your loved one passes away without making a will, known as intestate. Also known as intestate succession, it has similarities to the probate process when a will is present.…
In spite of the fact that probate can be complicated, long, and expensive, proper estate planning can mitigate unwanted risks by anticipating what might happen and preventing problems before they arise. Sound estate planning can make the probate process run…
The number of living wills created and signed each year is increasing, and many people believe they are protected if they have made a living will. Unfortunately, medical professionals misinterpret end-of-life care documents more often than you think. The issue…
Even though years of work have been dedicated to eliminating age discrimination, it persists in the workplace. Age discrimination occurs when an employee or prospective employee is treated less favorably because of their age. It can be directed at older…
As we deal with a loved one's death and receive an inheritance, we experience mixed feelings. The loss of a loved one is sad but the influx of funds can bring joy or relief. It can be hard to think…