Every adult is assumed to be capable of making their own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions, the court will appoint a substitute decision maker, usually called a guardian. What Is Guardianship of an Adult? Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult (the guardian) […]
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Just as we create estate plans for our eventual demise, we also need to plan ahead for the possibility that we could become sick and unable to make our own medical decisions. Medical science has led to much-improved technology that can keep patients alive longer. As a result of many well-publicized “right to die” cases,
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August signifies National Make-a-Will Month. For the one in five families who care for children with special needs, estate planning is crucial. Parents of a child with a disability face numerous challenges and concerns. One 2022 study found that among these parents’ biggest worries was what would happen to their children if they got sick.
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Elder law attorneys specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors. They also help older adults remain in their homes as they age and protect them from abuse. These practitioners are essential because they work to protect a vulnerable population. To plan for their future and their care, seniors and their families
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Many people believe that if they have a will, their estate planning is complete, but there is much more to a solid estate plan. A good plan should be designed to avoid probate, save on estate taxes, protect assets if you have to move into a nursing home, and appoint someone to act for you
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Many people think that estate plans are for someone else, not them. They may rationalize that they are too young or don’t have enough money to reap the tax benefits of a plan. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth. Loss of capacity. What
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Talking about estate planning is a difficult, emotional topic but it’s essential for every family. Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will and a wider plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of. According to a 2017 survey, less than half
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Everyone has heard the terms will and trust, but not everyone knows the differences between the two. Both are useful estate planning tools that serve different purposes, and they can work together to create a complete estate plan. Will vs Trust: When They Go Into Effect One main difference between a will and a trust
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A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make your own decisions. Fortunately, receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s does not mean that you cannot execute legal
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Ten percent of adults 65 and older experience elder abuse each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Elder abuse happens when a caregiver or another trusted individual causes physical, mental, or financial harm to an older adult by an act or omission Common Types of Elder Abuse Abuse of an elder may
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