Putting Power(s) in Your Trust
We often use trusts in estate planning to avoid probate, provide effective management of assets, and to make controlled gifts to children or other family members. Trusts are most effective…
Who Gets an Accounting in an Estate?
When someone dies survived by several children, will all those children be entitled to an accounting of how the estate assets are left among them? The answer is No, as…
Grandparent’s Visitation Rights Clarified by Court
Grandparents do not have natural or common law rights to visitation with grandchildren. As noted in this recent Mississippi Court of Appeals decision, a contentious relationship with their own child…
When is an Heir not an Heir?
Mississippi inheritance law applies when one dies without a Will or trust. This law provides that the assets and property of the deceased person will descend to his or her…
Stock Broker Rules Protect Older Investors
Many clients have savings invested with securities brokers/dealers. These companies and advisers are regulated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). FINRA is not part of the government, but is…
2019 Social Security and Public Benefit Figures
In most years, the money amounts pertaining to eligibility for, and benefits from, various governmental benefit programs change. Listed below are the 2019 figures for some Social Security, Medicare and…
Congress Weighs Reauthorizing Program That Moves People Out of Institutions
Following an initial vote in Congress, advocates are hopeful that a federal program aimed at helping people with disabilities move from institutions to community living will be renewed. A U.S.…
New Rules Tighten VA Aid & Attendance Qualification
In January 2015, the VA proposed amendments to its regulations concerning the requirements to qualify for the Improved Pension (commonly referred to as Aid & Attendance, or A&A). On September…
New Online Planning Resource from Courtney Elder Law
One of our other articles in this issue of our newsletter describes some of the problems that can be created for your family if you don’t get your estate plan…
Richard Courtney Earns Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America
Jackson, MS (August 16, 2018) - Best Lawyers, the oldest and one of the most respected attorney ranking services, has selected Richard Courtney, Certified Elder Law Attorney, for inclusion in…