The status of a will that is written prior to life changing events varies across the nation. Significant life events, such as having more children, should be included in an update of a will, but if not the impact varies from state to state. In Georgia, the will gets revoked, according to the Wills, Trusts […]

Families sometimes face a challenge because of federal law. A federal law called the Stored Communications Act can make it difficult for families to retrieve digital information when someone passes away, according to the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog in “Court Holds Personal Representative May Provide Lawful Consent Under Stored Communications Act.” The Stored […]

Woman does it herself and saves money, but estate and charities may end up paying the bill. A decision by a woman in Australia to use a do-it-yourself will could end up costing her estate a lot of money, according to News.com.au in “Unholy row as court decides on religious woman’s will.” Sandra Marie Hatton […]

Even though federal tax reform legislation is an uncertainty, the elderly can prepare for possible changes. As the possibility of federal tax reform looms, people in retirement do have some options that could prepare for potential changes, according to USA Today in “Retirees: 4 ways you can start planning for possible tax law changes now.” […]

If you think a will is just for the rich, you are mistaken. Everyone who has any property at all needs a will, according to CNBC in “Think you’re not rich enough to need a will? Think Again.” Some people believe that if they only have only a little bit of money or property, then […]

The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the better the chance of slowing its progress. Researchers have discovered a new sign of possible upcoming dementia in a sense of smell, according to The New York Times in “Poor Sense of Smell May Signal Dementia.” Early diagnosis of dementia allows professionals to develop treatment plans that will slow […]

A woman in Spain was mistakenly ruled dead and now she finds herself in a nightmare. Yes, it can happen here, too! There is a master government list in the U.S. that has your name and other identifying information on it. When you pass away, it will be recorded and your death will be noted […]

Sometimes it creates problems to name a close family member executor, as seen in Jerry Garcia’s estate. A big mistake in Jerry Garcia’s estate came when third wife Debra Koons was chosen to administer the estate, according to the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog in “The Wrong Executor Can Make Family Drama Worse, As […]

The government has decided that the Section 2704 estate tax rules are unworkable. The Trump administration has decided to change course on Section 2704 rules after a close look at changes by Obama, according to Forbes in “Treasury To Withdraw Hated Estate Tax Valuation Rules.” There was a lot of concern when the Obama administration […]

Did you know that the new Tax Bill proposed by the Republicans threatens the financial independence of Seniors and the Disabled? Read how in this Money Magazine article featuring Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorney Michael J. Amoruso! http://time.com/money/5009453/an-important-tax-deduction-for-seniors-and-their-families-is-on-the-chopping-block/