what happens to pets when you die

Include Your Pet In Your Estate Plan With a Pet Trust

We’ve all heard the terms “man’s best friend”, “fur babies” and “pets are family”, even I call my big furball dog my “firstborn child”. But unfortunately, according to the law, pets are still considered property. And the only way to protect your property is with an estate plan. A pet trust specifically tailored to include…

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life events that make you update your estate plan documents

5 Everyday Events That Affect Your Estate Plan

Once you execute your estate planning documents, it is important to set up reminders to review these documents periodically. There are many life changes that can affect the decisions you’ve made regarding your estate plan and the people you’ve named in it. 1. The Law Changes When you executed your estate planning documents, you may…

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Medicare Savings Program 2021

Medicare Savings Program Decoded – 2021 Limits

WILSON’S UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY: THE ALPHABET SOUP OF THE MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM Estate Planning Attorneys are known for loving acronyms. We like to shorten the names of the tools we use and sometimes throw the terms around, forgetting that not everyone speaks Alphabet Soup. POA, HCD, SNT, QTIP, QPRT, ILIT are just some of the terms…

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original deed to the house

Why You Don’t Need The Original Deed To Your House In Connecticut

Myths & Misconceptions Monday (Real Estate / Home Edition) Vlog #4: “I Need To Make Sure I Have And Keep The Original Deed To My House” Thinking that you need the original deed to your property, is quite a common misconception. And to be quite honest, makes sense right? I mean, you need the originals…

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power of attorney in Connecticut

Power of Attorney In Connecticut – Basic Rules

Let’s talk about the power of attorney form and what it means in Connecticut!  When it comes to legal matters, every state has its own rules and regulations. They even name the same documents differently. They may even have the same name but mean something else, depending on which state you are in. So it…

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what is a green burial

What Is a Green Burial? Is It More Cost Effective?

What Is a Green Burial? Cemeteries, burial grounds, and preserves can be considered green if they meet certain criteria: Caring for the dead with a minimal environmental impact  Contributing to the conservation of natural resources Reduction of carbon emissions Protection of worker health Restoration and/or preservation of the habitat Use of non-toxic and biodegradable materials,…

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retirement benefits

When To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits By Age

Updated: 3/24/2025 When Can You Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits? The full retirement age (or “normal” retirement age) is currently 66, however, you can start collecting your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. You won’t get the full amount you would be entitled to at your full retirement age, but under…

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gift tax exemption and Medicaid

Gift Tax Exemption and Medicaid Eligibility Vlog

Myths and Misconceptions Vlog #3: I Can Gift $15,000 Per Year Without Penalty While many people are familiar with the gift tax exemption, it is often mixed up with the Medicaid five-year look-back rules. Watch the video below for the full explanation by attorney Joan Reed Wilson:     If you are having trouble viewing…

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power of attorney vs conservatorship

Power of Attorney Vs Conservator – A True Story!

Continuing our series about conservatorship guidelines in Connecticut. It’s important to touch base on whether you have any control over who the court appoints as your conservator. As well as whether they will take into consideration your power of attorney agent. People who have watched the Netflix documentary about Britney Spears’ court battle over her…

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