When a Living Trust Must Be Probated
Many clients choose to use a revocable “living” trust as an alternative to a will as their primary estate planning document. A last will and testament is merely written instructions…
IRA Proceeds Are Not Part of Decedent’s Estate for Omitted Spouse’s Claim
IRAs and 401K retirement plans form a large part of many clients’ estates. Special attention must be given to naming the beneficiaries of such plans in a will or trust,…
CAP Releases Report on Project 2025’s Potential Harm to Disabled Individuals
The Center for American Progress (CAP) released an issue brief exposing how the sweeping Project 2025 policy agenda, proposed by the Heritage Foundation, could significantly harm the disability community in…
7 Medicare Changes You’ll See in 2025
Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options Key takeaways Changes from Inflation Reduction Act will take effect next year. Lower out-of-pocket limit in Part D…
Your Social Security Benefits for 2025: COLA Update
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) figures for 2025. These newly issued numbers will have an impact on monthly Social Security benefits payouts…
Court Considers How a Will Must be Proved for Probate
Mississippi law addresses two methods to determine the validity of wills. A “holographic” will is written entirely in the willmaker’s handwriting and signed at the bottom, with authenticity of the…
When Can a Lost Will Be Probated
The Court of Appeals of Tennessee holds that a woman failed to rebut the presumption of revocation when attempting to admit a copy of a missing will to probate. In…
Children Stood to “Gain or Lose” in Will Contest and Therefore Had Standing (Mo. App.)
An August 2024 court opinion pointed out the importance of understanding who will inherit assets that are handed down through families and of taking specific planning actions to assure those…
POA’s Duty to Act in Principal’s Best Interest Is Not Waivable; Choose Your Agents Wisely!
We have often been asked to advise the fiduciaries appointed by estate planning clients about their legal duties. An agent under a power of attorney has a legal duty to…
New Rental Assistance Rule May Expand Benefits for SSI Recipients
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has published a final rule simplifying and expanding its rental subsidy program for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Effective September 30, 2024, the new rule is…