Many people think estate planning is only about what happens after death. In reality, one of the most important reasons to have an estate plan is to protect yourself while you are still alive. An unexpected illness, accident, stroke, or cognitive decline can leave you unable to manage your finances or make healthcare decisions. If…
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Most people associate independence with making their own decisions, managing their finances, and directing their medical care. But what happens if an accident, illness, or unexpected medical event leaves you unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself? Without the proper legal documents in place, even your closest family members may be unable to step…
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Father’s Day is often filled with cookouts, cards, handmade gifts, and time spent with family. But for many fathers, one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people they love is not something that fits in a gift bag. It is having an estate plan in place. At Reed Wilson Case, we work with…
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For many families, there comes a moment when the relationship between parent and child begins to shift. The people who once provided guidance, support, and care may now need help themselves. Sometimes the change happens slowly over several years. Other times, it begins after a fall, hospitalization, memory diagnosis, or sudden medical emergency. Becoming a…
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Summer is a season filled with vacations, graduations, beach trips, family reunions, and time away from home. Whether you are planning a weekend in Rhode Island, a cross-country road trip, or an international vacation, summer travel often reminds us how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected. At Reed Wilson Case, we encourage…
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As students head off to college, many parents assume they can still step in during an emergency, especially when it comes to medical decisions. But once a child turns 18, the legal landscape changes quickly. In Connecticut, parents no longer have automatic access to their child’s medical records or the authority to make healthcare decisions,…
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Planning for long-term care is one of the most important and often misunderstood parts of estate and elder law planning. One term that frequently comes up is the “5-year lookback period.” If you or a loved one may need extensive care in your home or in a nursing home in the future, understanding how this…
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Selling a House After Death in Connecticut: What You Need to Know Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of figuring out what happens to their home. One of the most common questions families ask is: Can you sell a house in Connecticut if one owner has passed away? The answer…
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Gifting Powers and Self-Dealing: The Critical Details That Can Make or Break Your Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents in any estate plan. It allows you to appoint someone you trust to handle financial matters if you become unable to do so yourself. But not all…
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For many individuals and families, an estate planning attorney is someone you have worked with for years, sometimes decades. When you learn that your attorney has retired or closed their practice, it can feel unsettling. You may be wondering: Who has my documents? Is my plan still valid? Do I need to start over? The…
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