What Is The Difference Between A Revocable And Irrevocable Trust?
Understanding the tools available for managing your estate is crucial when planning for the future. Two common tools in estate planning are revocable and irrevocable trusts. Both types of trusts help individuals manage their assets during their lifetimes and provide for the distribution of these assets after death. However, each type of trust serves different […]
What is a Medicaid Lookback?
Regarding long-term care in a nursing home, Medicaid is often the primary payer for individuals who require such services. However, qualifying for Medicaid isn’t as simple as filling out an application. A crucial eligibility factor is the “Medicaid Lookback Period.” Specifically, Medicaid applicants for institutional care need to be aware of the five-year lookback period, […]
Grounds to Contest a Will: A Comprehensive Guide
At our firm, we help guide clients through the complex legal process following a loved one’s death. One of the more common questions we receive concerns the grounds on which a will can be contested. Contesting a will is serious and often emotional, as it involves questioning the deceased’s final wishes. However, under certain circumstances, […]
What Happens If You Can’t Find All Your Loved One’s Assets?
When a loved one passes away, settling their estate can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their financial affairs. I often hear concerns from family members about missing assets or incomplete information. Let’s address these everyday worries and explore what happens in these situations. The Challenge of Incomplete Information It’s not uncommon for the […]
The Grantor: Unsung Hero of Estate Planning
Imagine you’re at a family reunion, and your eccentric Uncle Bob starts discussing how he’s become a “Grantor.” Your cousin Sarah rolls her eyes, assuming it’s just another of Bob’s quirky hobbies. But little does she know that Uncle Bob might be the most intelligent person at the picnic table. I can tell you that […]
How Do I Fund My Trust?
Regarding estate planning, one of the most essential tools available to individuals is a trust. Think of a trust as a box with an instruction manual. The instruction manual controls what’s in the box and where it goes at the time of your passing. But here’s the catch – if nothing is in the box, […]
Grandparents and Estate Planning: How To Protect Your Grandchildren’s Future
As a grandparent, you’ve probably spent countless hours doting on your grandchildren, showering them with love, and creating precious memories. But have you considered how you can continue to support and protect them long after you’re gone? As an estate planning lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how grandparents can play a crucial role in securing their […]
Expect the Unexpected: A Special Needs Lawyer’s Guide to Contingency Planning
As parents of children or adults with special needs, we often find ourselves lost in thought about their future. We picture a world where they’re safe, happy, and well-cared for, even when we cannot guide them. But here’s a hard truth many of us have faced: sometimes, despite our best efforts, Plan A doesn’t pan […]
How to Prevent Your Kids from Fighting Over Your Care
Have you ever thought, “I love my children, but when it comes to my future care, they’ll probably end up in a battle royale”? You’re not alone. As a will lawyer, I’ve seen countless families grapple with this concern. Many of us dread addressing the elephant in the room: what happens when our adult children […]
What to Know When Including Raw Land in Your Estate Plan
Owning undeveloped land can be an exciting investment, full of potential and possibilities. However, when it comes to including this asset in your estate plan, there are unique considerations to remember. As an estate lawyer, I often work with clients to ensure their raw land is adequately addressed in their estate planning documents. Here’s what […]