Aging is a universal experience, but the considerations can differ significantly depending on one's personal circumstances. For single seniors – whether by choice, divorce, or the loss of a partner – estate planning comes with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. If you find yourself in this demographic, here's what you should focus on when planning your estate. Focused Approach Being single in your later years can come with increased independence but also adds a layer of … [Read more...] about Tackling Unique Estate Planning Challenges for Single Seniors
Incapacity Planning
Have You Addressed Incapacity Planning?
Incapacity planning is a crucial component of any comprehensive estate plan. It involves making provisions for the possibility of becoming mentally or physically incapacitated and being unable to manage one's own affairs. While it may be uncomfortable to contemplate such scenarios, incorporating incapacity planning into an estate plan provides numerous benefits and safeguards for both the individual and their loved ones. In this post, we will explore why incapacity planning is essential and … [Read more...] about Have You Addressed Incapacity Planning?
What Is HIPAA and Why Should I Care?
HIPAA, or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, is a federal law that was enacted in 1996 to protect the privacy of individuals’ health information. HIPAA applies to all health care providers, insurance companies, and other entities that handle personal health information. The law sets standards for how this information can be used and disclosed, as well as requiring safeguards to protect it from unauthorized access. Senior Citizens HIPAA is especially important for seniors … [Read more...] about What Is HIPAA and Why Should I Care?
These Advantages Add to the Appeal of Living Trusts
There are two significant benefits that living trusts provide that get a lot of attention. One of them is the fact that you can include spendthrift protections for a beneficiary that is not ready to handle a significant inheritance. The trust would become irrevocable after your death, and the beneficiary would not be able to reach the principal. This would also apply to their creditors, so there is asset protection, and you don’t have to provide a lump sum distribution all at once. Another … [Read more...] about These Advantages Add to the Appeal of Living Trusts
Alzheimer’s Impact From an Elder Law Perspective
As elder law attorneys, we find that the most pressing matters that we deal with are impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. Though it is a disconcerting prospect, you should be aware of this looming threat when you are making preparations for the future. Deadly and Surprisingly Common Everyone has heard of Alzheimer’s, but a lot of people are very surprised when they find out how widespread it has become. Over 30 percent of elders that are 85 years of age and older have Alzheimer’s, and your life … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Impact From an Elder Law Perspective
Top 5 Reasons for Estate Planning Unpreparedness
Two out of three American adults are unprepared from an estate planning perspective, and this is not confined to younger people. Less than half of individuals that are 55 years of age and older have estate plans in place. Why do they ignore an event that is one of the certainties of life? In this post, we will look at five reasons why people fail to take action. Simple Procrastination The first group is comprised of individuals that are fully aware of the fact that estate planning is … [Read more...] about Top 5 Reasons for Estate Planning Unpreparedness
Impact of Pandemic Is Eye Opening From an Estate Planning Perspective
Though COVID is an ongoing threat for the vulnerable, the worst of the pandemic is behind us. At the same time, there were some valuable lessons learned. From an estate planning perspective, the tenuous nature of life as we know it was clearly demonstrated. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, average life expectancies have been measurably impacted by the pandemic. Estate Planning Preparedness In spite of the fact that passing away is one of the two certainties … [Read more...] about Impact of Pandemic Is Eye Opening From an Estate Planning Perspective
What Documents Are in a Complete Estate Plan?
There is no universal, one-size-fits-all plan. At the same time, some of the documents in a complete estate plan are necessary for everyone. In this post, we will provide clarity that will help you cover all of your bases appropriately. Asset Transfers All estate plans will arrange for postmortem asset transfers. However, there are different documents that can be used to facilitate the distributions. A will is one option, but a trust of some kind will be a better choice for a wide range of … [Read more...] about What Documents Are in a Complete Estate Plan?
What Can Good Estate Planning Do for You? (Part 1)
There is a difference between good estate planning and an uninformed, hope for the best DIY approach. When you work with our firm to develop a properly constructed plan, your wishes will be carried out correctly, and your family will benefit. In this post, we will look at the advantages, and we will follow up with a second installment. Effective and Efficient Asset Transfers A will is usually not going to be the best choice as an asset transfer vehicle unless the situation is extremely simple. … [Read more...] about What Can Good Estate Planning Do for You? (Part 1)
Are You Prepared for Life as an Octogenarian?
As elder law attorneys, we help people prepare for the eventualities of aging. Without question, it can be difficult to envision the way you will feel when you are in your 80s. At the same time, the average lifespan for someone that is 67 is the middle 80s, so this is a life stage that you will probably experience. Alzheimer’s Disease Among the Oldest Old The Alzheimer’s Association does a lot of great work educating the public about this disease, and they also offer hands-on resources for … [Read more...] about Are You Prepared for Life as an Octogenarian?
