Probate Process: A General Timeline
In general, the probate process moves quickly if the estate has minimal assets and little debt. Larger estates can take anywhere from nine months to a few years, especially with problematic family dynamics.
7 Things to Know About Living Wills
What would happen if you became seriously ill or injured and were no longer able to make your health care decisions? A living will can outline your wishes so your loved ones can make informed decisions about your care in an emergency.
What Is a Contingent Beneficiary?
When making a will, you’ll work with an estate planner to designate those who will inherit from you. The persons (or entities, such as a charity) you choose are the beneficiaries of your will.
Senators Propose Boosting Seniors’ Social Security Benefits
In late March 2024, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act. The Act centers on changing the formula that the SSA uses to calculate Social Security benefits for older adults.
Be Aware of the Dangers of Joint Accounts
While joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly. Adding a loved one to a bank account can expose you to their creditors and affect Medicaid planning.
5 Ways to Update Your Estate Plan After a “Gray” Divorce
AARP reports that Baby Boomers are the generation with the highest divorce rates. Divorce among older adults in the United States has been on the rise since 1990. By 2019, 36 percent of divorces involved people 50 and older.
Securely Storing Your Legal Documents
Storing important documents in digital form provides convenient copies that can be accessed by trusted individuals involved in your estate planning. They will also need access to online accounts in emergencies.
The Loneliness Epidemic: Helping Seniors Stay Connected
Failing to maintain and make new meaningful connections as older adults age can lead them toward a deep sense of loneliness. This can affect their mental and physical health, including increased risk of heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia.
A Useless Power of Attorney: Avoid Free Legal Documents
You might be tempted to download a free power of attorney form when looking for estate planning services online. But will that be enough to ensure the document is legally recognized?
40% of People Say They Don’t Have Enough to Make a Will
Four in 10 people believe they do not have enough assets to make a will, according to a new survey. This statistic reflects a common misconception about estate planning: that it is only for the wealthy.
