Details Matter in Real Estate Ownership
Every person who owns a residence or other real property must be aware of the form of ownership. Recently, I told a client that she could purchase her mother’s residence…
Major Changes Coming for Social Security
For many of the more than 62 million beneficiaries - 42.8 million of whom are retired workers - Social Security is more than just a check. It's a financial lifeline…
Court Confirms Requirements for a Valid Will
In ruling on a recent will challenge, the Mississippi Court of Appeals restated the requirements for a valid last will and testament and what is required to make or overcome…
Powers of Attorney and Divorce
This recent Mississippi court case points out two things: people can do some devious things after a divorce, and a power of attorney agent cannot do things that the principal…
The Four Principles of Long Term Care Planning
The four principles: Knowledge is the key to success. Professional help is crucial in saving time, money and stress. When money is available for care, caregiver stress is reduced and…
The Who, What, When and How of Medicare
What is it? Medicare is a medical insurance-type program developed to pay medical costs for retired or disabled persons who have paid into the Social Security system. Medicare Part A…
Power of Attorney – to Keep You in Control
The Constitution of the United States and the privacy laws that have emanated from its protections guarantee the right of each competent adult to act in her own behalf regarding…
Plan For Your Health Care Decision-Making
The law presumes that every adult is competent to make his or her own health-care decisions, and that no one has authority to make such decisions for the individual unless…
Does Conservatorship End Joint Accounts?
Some folk think “estate planning” is putting their children on their bank accounts. However, this may not be enough if the client later becomes incapacitated. If the client does not…
Power of Attorney, Gifts and Self-Dealing
A recent Mississippi court case examined the legality of an attempted transfer of jointly-owned bank CDs by use of a power of attorney and how transactions done through the use…