Four Principles of Long-Term Care Planning
There are four principles that apply to long-term care planning: Knowledge is the key to success.Professional help is crucial in saving time, money and stress.Professional help can assure that caregiver…
Can Daddy Sign a Will or Power of Attorney
When a spouse or parent has been diagnosed with dementia or some other condition that affects cognition, the family members may conclude (or be told by others) that the person…
Mistake Not Grounds for Higher Social Security Benefits
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision denying increased Social Security benefits for a claimant who applied before her full retirement age based on incorrect information.…
Case Shows Importance of Clear Drafting in Joint Revocable Trusts
Roy and Barbara Massie created a joint revocable trust in 2001, of which they were the co-trustees and primary beneficiaries. The trust named each of their respective children as contingent…
Estate Planning: An At-a-Glance Overview
Estate planning, or legacy planning, entails preparing your affairs for the future, including death and other life events. While older adults might give more thought to estate planning, it is…
When Divorce and the Law Can Modify Your Estate Plan
A recent court case points out the importance of making changes to beneficiary designations on financial assets after a divorce. The Supreme Court of New Jersey addressed the ownership of…
Copy of Will Benefitting a Nonrelative Determined Valid
Mississippi’s court of appeals affirms the decision made by the Jackson County Chancery Court regarding the copy of a last will and testament naming a nonrelative beneficiary. In the Matter…
Handwritten Document Was Holographic Will
Elijah Forkner died on June 26, 2020, and was survived by his seven children. Prior to his death, Elijah composed a handwritten document that appeared to give most of Elijah’s…
Deducting Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums in 2025
The population of older adults in the United States has been growing steadily in recent years. According to the U.S. Census, the number of Americans who are age 65 and…
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…