What It Means to Be a Fiduciary
Occasionally, you may be asked to act as a power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your loved one may be planning for when they are unable to take care of their affairs. For instance, they might become…
A Guide to Thriving as a Family Caregiver
Family caregiving is becoming increasingly common in the United States. More than 53 million Americans care for ageing family members, and approximately 17% of the population serves as a caregiver. Many caregivers lose sleep, worry about their loved ones, experience…
Caregiving Across Long Distances
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), long distance caregiving involves providing care to a person who lives an hour or more away. Caregiving can take many forms, including arranging for in-home care, managing money, paying bills, and providing…
It’s Time to Act Now: Powers of Attorney Age with Time
The hospital bills of my uncle are due, so I need to make the payment. In 2002, he named me as his financial power of attorney, so I could write checks on his bank account when he couldn’t, like now.…
Taking Steps to Reduce the Risk of Probate Litigation
Probate litigation is often exacerbated by many family circumstances. In addition, there are two fundamental reasons: families disagree on how to handle mentally incapacitated family members or disagreements on how to dissolve an estate after death. Sibling rivalry, second marriages…
What is the Process of Administering an Estate in Court?
The probate process is the process by which judicial officials, such as probate judges, process a will. While state probate laws may differ, the general process remains the same. The probate process is used to prove a decedent’s will. Probate…
Medicaid Crisis Planning – When is it Appropriate?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that pays for long-term care costs for individuals who meet certain asset requirements. The cost of long-term care often has devastating financial impacts for Americans, particularly the elderly, and family members who…
The Powers and Limitations of a Will
Wills are legally binding directives that state who will inherit your assets upon your death. They are an integral part of a comprehensive estate plan. In the event of your death without a will (intestate), your assets will be distributed…
Giving is Not Always Better Than Receiving
In the event that a loved one might need Medicaid assistance in the near future, that person should avoid giving gifts. Gifts in such situations can end up being very, very expensive for people who receive joy from generosity. Medicaid…
High Living Costs and Medicaid, How Do They Relate?
Planning for long-term care is becoming increasingly important as the cost of healthcare continues to rise. Many Americans worry about how they will pay for nursing home care, assisted living, or other long-term care services without losing their life savings.…
