Donating Your Organs To Research Could Save Lives
Joan Wilson
Estate Planning In Your 20’s and 30’s
If you think estate planning is just for the old and wealthy, you are way off. Estate Planning in your 20’s and 30’s will build the foundation you need and be confident that your assets are safe, your healthcare will be managed, and that your children’s future is secure. I’m honestly embarrassed to say that…
Elder Law Attorney – 10 Reasons You Need One
What Is Elder Law? Before we dive into the many reasons you need an Elder Law Attorney, let’s first touch base on what Elder Law is. Elder law refers to numerous legal issues specifically affecting elderly people. With age, many issues may surface, from declining health to financial burdens. Seniors face complex legal concerns that…
Does The Gift Tax Exclusion Apply To Medicaid?
Can you gift $10,000 a year without a penalty? For tax purposes yes, with the Gift Tax Exclusion. With the holidays around the corner and the end of the year fast approaching, many of you may be thinking about making gifts to your children and grandchildren. If you want to avoid paying a gift…
False Facts Friday – Who Will Inherit My Estate When My Primary Beneficiary Dies?
FALSE FACTS FRIDAY “My Contingent Beneficiaries Will Inherit My Estate When My Primary Beneficiary Dies.” Although it is quite reasonable to think that your will dictates what happens to your property upon your death, there are some loopholes. Many people think that whatever you leave to your primary beneficiary, your contingent beneficiary will inherit upon…
Does Reverse Mortgage Means Losing Equity To The Bank?
As part of our elder law and long-term care planning practice, we often recommend a reverse mortgage to our clients. And we are often met with resistance. One of the most common misconceptions about reserve mortgages is that if someone obtains this type of mortgage, all hope of ever having any equity to pass to…
What Happens To Power of Attorney After Death?
Power of Attorney and When Should You Get One Most of you are probably sick of hearing me tell you how important having a power of attorney is for anyone aged 18 and older. A Power of Attorney gives the person or people who you nominate and trust the legal authority to manage your financial…
False Facts Friday – “A Living Will Is The Same as a DNR”
Is a Living Will or Advanced Healthcare Directive the same as a “DNR”? What is a Living Will? A Living Will is the first part of the current Connecticut Advance Healthcare Directive form. People who have not updated their estate planning documents in 15-20 years may only have a document that is titled “Living Will”.…
False Facts Friday – “My Will Dictates How ALL of My Assets Get Distributed When I Die.”
Does Your Will Determine Who Inherits Your Assets When You Die? Last month I discussed how clients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that having a Last Will and Testament does not negate the need for probate. Many people also incorrectly believe that the Will is KING. They think that the terms of the Will…
False Facts Friday – “A Will Avoids Probate.”
Clients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that having a Last Will and Testament does not negate the need for probate. And they are sometimes annoyed when they learn that even though they are named as the Executor in a Will, that alone does not give them authority to access the decedent’s assets. Yet both of these statements are true.