So, you’re officially divorced. In starting this new chapter of life, you should update your estate planning documents as soon as possible. You may no longer be legally married, but divorce does not automatically remove your prior spouse from your will, trust, or beneficiary designations. Here are some items to consider updating:
What Can I Do During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Each year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare offers you the option to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes you make during this Medicare Open Enrollment Period will go into effect the following January 1.
You are not required to make changes to your coverage. But keep...
6 Possible Risk Factors for Dementia You May Not Expect
More than 55 million people around the world currently suffer from dementia. Advanced age remains the main risk factor for developing dementia. Yet recent studies have uncovered several other potential risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline that you may not expect.
Having poor oral hygiene.3 Tips When Including Caregivers in Your Estate Planning
November will mark National Family Caregivers Month. You may have a caregiver in your life to whom you wish to bestow your gratitude by designating them as an heir in your estate plan. Whether your caregiver is your own child — or a niece, nephew, grandchild, godchild, stepchild, or even a caregiver...
Be Cautious of Generic Health Care Proxy Forms
Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff work hard to care for their patients when they are sick or hurt. However, even when a procedure is done to save a patient’s life, a hospital cannot act without patient consent. If a patient cannot speak for themselves and express their wishes, the hospital relies on...
How to Choose the Best Home Care Provider for Your Parents
Choosing the correct home care provider for your aging parents is a huge responsibility. This person will be looking after the needs of those who taught you to walk, talk, and care for yourself. To ensure your parents are well cared for in their golden years, consider the following as you seek...
5 Smart Estate Planning Strategies for High-Net-Worth Families
If you are a high-net-worth individual, it’s essential to have a comprehensive estate plan in place. However, every family’s circumstances are unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for estate planning.
Below are five estate planning strategies that may be right for you:
1. Make Sure...
Utilizing a 1031 Exchange to Avoid Capital Gains Taxes
If you are planning to leave an investment property to loved ones, a 1031 exchange may be a helpful estate planning tool for you. Because these exchanges allow you to defer taxes or limit taxes owed at the time of a sale, you can use the money that would have been spent...
Resources to Help With End-of-Life Care
No one wants to think about our death or the death of a loved one. The reality is that death is inevitable, so preparing for end-of-life decisions is essential. Over the past few years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have all been reminded about life’s fragility.
When you...
11 Common Acronyms in Elder Law and Estate Planning
In helping clients prepare for their future, estate planning and elder law attorneys use many acronyms. Understanding some of the common medical and legal terms in this field can give you added confidence in your approach to planning for your own future or that of your loved ones.
1....