Category: Elder Law
“Although Social Security helps millions of seniors stay afloat financially, living on those benefits alone could mean winding up cash-strapped in retirement.” When originally created, Social Security was designed to prevent the elderly and infirm from sinking into dire poverty. When most working Americans enjoyed a pension from their employer, Social Security was an additional […]
“Attorney-client privilege requires that attorneys keep confidential and refrain from sharing all secrets and other confidences of clients.” One of the hardest parts of an estate planning attorney’s jobs is managing the death of a client. Estate planning attorneys are highly skilled at creating plans, while clients are living and at administering the plans after […]
“If you are caregiving from a distance (you live here and your parent or other loved one is in another state, a distant city or as close as an hour away), it can be even more daunting than doing it in your home.” Trying to coordinate care from a distance becomes a challenge for many, […]
“As a result of illness, old age or incapacity, what may happen when you can no longer handle your own decision-making, handle your own money or make your own health care choices? Who can step in to help and how are they empowered?” For the most part, we are free to make our own decisions […]
“LOIs may also include whatever you think may help the people you leave behind or who would take over if you are not capable.” A letter of instruction, or LOI, is a good addition to the documents included in your estate plan. It is commonly used to express advice, wishes and practical information to help […]
“Should I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits as early as possible, or hold off for longer in exchange for plus-size payments?” How much time you need to figure out the best time to take Social Security benefits can be as much of a puzzle as figuring out the actual answer, according to the recent […]
“The list of things you need to do after someone dies can seem endless, especially during a time when you are also grieving.” Making funeral arrangements, paying medical bills and closing down accounts are just the start of the tasks that a surviving spouse must take charge of, advises the recent article “Checklist for Handling […]
“The distribution of some of our assets can be governed by contracts. Examples of these contracts include life insurance, investment accounts, bank accounts and trusts.” Without proper planning, your will determines who inherits your property—everything from your home, car, bank accounts and personal possessions. Your spouse may not necessarily be your heir—and that’s just one […]
“Deciding when to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits is an important decision. Making the wrong choice could cost you.” Not knowing when you will be eligible to receive all of the benefits earned through your work history can hurt a retirement plan, says a recent article from CNBC.com titled “Here’s what to you need to […]
Enhanced Protections for Non-Borrowing Spouses: Understanding Recent Changes in Reverse Mortgage Laws A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners age 62 or older to borrow against the equity in their homes and receive a lump sum, a fixed monthly payment, or a line of credit. Reverse mortgages are often used by seniors to […]
