Did you know that our pets grieve? If you're like us, anytime we lose one of our family members who just so happens to not be of the human species, we grieve hard. As loyal as they are to us, it's of little surprise that they too could have the shared capacity for grief. A new study reveals that the grief pets feel may be different, of varying depths and often quite obvious. More of us are concerned about what happens to them after we're gone and fortunately, there are a few ways to protect … [Read more...] about Planning a Trust for Your Pet
Young and Free
Most of us have fond memories of our first apartments; we were independent, on our own, free. We were finally adults. Part of this independence was due to the fact that we are able to enter into contracts on our own. Physical or mental incapacity will prevent us from being able to do so. A prudent estate plan will address the possible issues of incapacity. These issues must be addressed when we are legally capable of doing so. Anyone who has created any type of an estate plan has of course … [Read more...] about Young and Free
What if You Are Incapacitated?
Most individuals have a plan in place for their passing, but what if you are incapacitated? Your family has to continue functioning while simultaneously coping with caring for you after an illness or injury takes away your ability to care for yourself. Who will pay the bills and with what money? Who will make medical decisions on your behalf? Who will make other major financial decisions for the family? These are some of the major questions that your attorney should address when your incapacity … [Read more...] about What if You Are Incapacitated?
Guardianship Proceedings Can Be Prevented
Guardianship proceedings are initiated when interested parties feel as though an individual has become unable to handle his or her affairs effectively. This is something to consider when you are making preparations for the period of your life that is known as the "twilight years." If you were to go through such a proceeding and the petition was granted you may have no control over who winds up making decisions for you. In addition, there are significant costs associated with guardianship … [Read more...] about Guardianship Proceedings Can Be Prevented
A Comprehensive Plan For Aging
When you go on any type of a journey you are going to make careful advance preparations. You don't just set out blind with no map, supplies, equipment, or itinerary. If you're smart you make sure that you are prepared to handle just about anything that fate should send your way. With this in mind, your life's journey should be properly planned for, and there are distinct different stages to take into consideration. One of these would be the period of time that is often referred to as the … [Read more...] about A Comprehensive Plan For Aging
Medicaid: Spending Down And Looking Back
Elder law attorneys have been watching closely as the costs associated with long-term care continue to rise, and it is certainly a source of growing concern. If you are not aware of how high the cost of long-term care has become you'll probably sit up and take notice when you hear the facts. According to a study that was released by the MetLife Mature Market Institute, in 2010 the average charge for a yearlong stay in a private room in a nursing home in the United States was over $83,500. This … [Read more...] about Medicaid: Spending Down And Looking Back
Guardianship and Conservatorship For Minors
A minor who is less than 18 years of age will need to have a guardian should they no longer have the protection of a parent or responsible adult. Therefore, a guardian will need to be appointed by the court. In the cases where the minor has inherited and therefore owns property or needs a representative for legal activity, a conservator may also be required. Rulings relating to guardianship and conservatorship are governed by the state and the petition is filed at the county court in which the … [Read more...] about Guardianship and Conservatorship For Minors
Why Execute Durable Powers Of Attorney?
When it comes to certain challenges that you may or may not face during the latter portion of your life, you may adopt the attitude that you will just hope for the best. You're certainly free to do this, but if you stick your head in the sand you may find yourself totally unprepared for certain eventualities. Nobody wants to be placed in a difficult situation, but if you are prepared in advance at least you mitigate the potential negative consequences. Something to think about along these lines … [Read more...] about Why Execute Durable Powers Of Attorney?
HECM Can Fund Assisted Living
If you want to be comprehensively prepared for the future you can't overlook things that you may not be especially anxious to think about. There are those who cross their fingers, stick their heads in the sand, and hope for the best, but these are the people who find themselves totally unprepared for contingencies that arise. Making prudent preparations for things that may or may not happen is wise because these advance plans will be welcome should they be needed, and if they are not all the … [Read more...] about HECM Can Fund Assisted Living
Elder Law Matters To Take Into Consideration
It is important to understand the fact that a comprehensive plan for the future involves more that just planning for the distribution of your assets to your loved ones after you pass away. Most people are aware of the fact that retirement planning is important, but many do not think about the period of time that will follow their active retirement years. The reality is that there are some elder law considerations that should be taken into account as well, and one of these is the cost of … [Read more...] about Elder Law Matters To Take Into Consideration
