Sibling rivalry. Families are prone to old rivalries from the past becoming more evident after the death of a parent. Adult children who are emotionally upset and in the unfamiliar territory of an inheritance process can invent new problems or magnify…
Most Americans believe estate planning is a one-time chore that can be filed away after it is completed. However, without being aware of the potential impact, people will make gifts during their lifetime or change listed beneficiaries on accounts which can…
Thirty years ago, a traditional family consisted of a man and woman who were young and in love, would buy a house, have children, and strive for financial stability and security. In 1949, 79.8 percent of American households were married…
Generally, a power of attorney designates a trusted individual to act on your behalf. They could be related to personal finances, business operations, or medical needs and used for a single immediate purpose or an ongoing situation. This may sound…
Planning for the future and considering financial matters can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, it is crucial to wisely manage your assets while aging and provide for the family members who will survive you. Your elder law attorney knows…
Even though probate sounds expensive and complex, it is a legal procedure that formalizes how assets pass from descendants to chosen heirs or beneficiaries. According to your state laws, probate may be necessary depending on the type of property you…
Generally speaking, most of us are familiar with trusts, in terms of individuals who are beneficiaries of trust funds. There is a misconception that trusts are just for the wealthy, but you can include them in estate planning for anyone…
More and more seniors are experiencing widowhood and divorce, which prompts new partnerships. According to the US Census Bureau, more than half of all older adults have only married once, choosing to remain single in their future relationships. The act…
Minor and adult children may have different opinions about family circumstances, especially when it comes to inheriting the estate. It is normal for relationships to change and intensify when someone you love dies, as underlying issues can come to the…
People commonly know that probate occurs in probate court after someone passes away, and that it is something that happens after someone dies. Most people are unaware of how complicated and lengthy the process is. Depending on how involved it…