Estate Planning for Seniors

Even though nearly half of Americans age 55 or older acknowledge that estate planning is important, few have wills, powers of attorney, or health care directives. These documents help guide your representatives to provide the end-of-life wishes you seek. Estate planning also reduces the family burden and stress caused by conflict among family members after […]
Powers of Attorney Explained

Power of Attorney (POA) documents are an essential part of estate planning. All states recognize powers of attorney, but rules and requirements will differ from state to state. The document gives one or more individuals the legal authority to act as your agent or proxy on your behalf. Depending on which POA you choose, the […]
Six Estate Planning Errors to Avoid

When you plan your estate, your assets, interests, and loved ones are protected after your death. There are many individuals who make costly mistakes when they do not seek the advice and guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney. Poor planning can cause additional stress to your heirs in the time of grief in addition […]
Providing End-Of-Life Care

While having open and honest family discussions about your mortality is a sobering experience, it is prudent. Though no one relishes the idea of their demise, with some forethought, you can ensure that your estate plan and healthcare arrangements reflect your wishes. It is crucial to prioritize these discussions with your loved ones and to […]
Fiduciary Responsibility

You may be asked to be power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For example, they might become disabled or incapacitated, and they would need a trusted person to step in and manage for them. This […]
Preparing a Quality End of Life Plan

The records conveying your final wishes for care and asset management are called powers-of-attorney documents, and these entrust an appointed person to act on your behalf when you are no longer able to. But when it comes to actually using those documents at the time of a healthcare crisis, clear and powerful documents are just […]
What It Means To Be a “Fiduciary”

At some point in your life, you may be asked to be a power of attorney for a family member or friend. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of their affairs. For example, they might become disabled or incapacitated, and they would need a trusted person to […]
Having a Conversation about Finances and Estate Planning with Your Aging Parents

As your parents’ age, it is essential that you have conversations with them about their finances. To broach the topic, you might bring up current events like the coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and how it relates to the security of their financial future. The conversation should come from a calming place of […]
Why a Living Will Is Essential to Your Estate Plan

Living Wills are essential in creating a solid estate plan. A living will presents your preferences for life-sustaining medical treatment. It is often accompanied by a health-care proxy or power of attorney, which allows someone to make treatment decisions for you if you are incapacitated and the living will does not have specific instructions for […]