It can be hard to imagine a time when you will be unable to handle all of your own day-to-day needs. However, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, just over half of seniors will need professional living assistance at some point in time. Many folks who require help with their … [Read More]
Is There an Estate Tax Efficiency Strategy for Transferring My Home?
We have an estate planning office in Westport, Connecticut, where the median home value is over $2 million according to Zillow. Our other office is in Glastonbury, and though it is not as affluent, there are many seven-figure homes in that area as well. This is a good thing on the one hand, but you … [Read More]
A Legacy of Generosity: Charitable Giving and Your Estate Plan
When you think about your estate plan, you probably focus on transfers to the next generation, and this is understandable. But at the same time, your plan may extend in a broader direction to include charitable giving. In affluent communities like Westport, Connecticut, philanthropy is often woven into both family life and financial planning. Many … [Read More]
Do Estate Taxes Apply to Transfers to My Spouse?
Estate taxes can be a factor when your legacy is being transferred to your heirs. However, most people don’t have to be concerned because of the robust exclusions. Plus, even if you are a high-net-worth individual, there is a provision for spousal transfers. Let’s look at the facts. Federal Estate Tax Basics The federal estate … [Read More]
Inheritance Planning: How to Transfer Family Heirlooms Without Conflict
Disagreements over inheritance planning decisions are not always about money. Often, the deepest conflicts arise from personal belongings that carry sentimental value. Heirlooms like jewelry, furniture, photo albums, or handmade keepsakes may not be worth much on paper, but their emotional significance can run deep. When there’s no clear plan for these items, even the … [Read More]
Elder Law Insight: Act Now to Limit Exposure to Elder Financial Abuse
It takes a very cold-hearted individual to take advantage of a vulnerable senior citizen. Unfortunately, there are a lot of them out there because financial abuse is a very big problem within the elder law community. Let’s look at the problem from an overview, along with some of the steps that you can take to … [Read More]
Advance Directives Are a Must for New College Students
Preparing to send your child off to college is an exciting milestone. You probably have a checklist that includes shopping for dorm supplies, discussing class schedules, and arranging transportation. There’s a lot to think about, but from our perspective as an estate planning law firm, there is a key detail that may never occur to … [Read More]
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Many people never create a will, even though they know it’s important. You might feel uneasy talking about death or believe your family will sort everything out without conflict. Sometimes, it feels easier to put estate planning aside because life is already busy. But when you pass away without a will—something called dying intestate—the process … [Read More]
Dementia Diagnosis and Estate Planning Concerns
A dementia diagnosis and estate planning are deeply intertwined, especially if your loved one is elderly. When a loved one begins to show signs of cognitive decline, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what the future holds—especially when it comes to important legal and financial matters. If your parent, spouse, or other relative has already … [Read More]
Estate Planning Updates: Do It Yearly
Estate planning updates can be done regularly to avoid getting missed. As you may know, estate plans aren’t set-it-and-forget-it documents. Life moves quickly, and what made sense when you first created your will or trust may not reflect your reality today. Whether it’s a new family member, a major purchase, or a change in your … [Read More]
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