There seems to be some confusion nowadays about whether “a dog’s life” refers to a life of ease or toil, but for these wealthy canine heirs life is definitely the former! Whether it’s a wealthy eccentric leaving millions to a dear canine companion or whether it’s a lover of animals leaving a portion of their… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 42
More News About the Repealed Estate Tax
Six months into 2010 and the estate tax repeal is still making news. This time it’s a story about Texas billionaire Dan L. Duncan who died in March, leaving all of his billions to his spouse, family and various charitable organizations… and none to the government: “Had his life ended three months earlier, Mr. Duncan’s… Read More »
How To Choose Your Executor or Personal Representative
Serving as someone’s executor or personal representative under a Last Will and Testament can be a HUGE job, and may not be right for the faint of heart. Although nomination is commonly considered an honor, there is a lot of work involved, and an executor must have a great capacity for organization, attention to detail, the ability… Read More »
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15
As we age we become vulnerable. We begin to doubt our memories, our bodies are not as reliable as they used to be, and technological advances outstrip our abilities to keep up with them. With this vulnerability comes the opportunity for abuse. Unfortunately, elder abuse is becoming more and more common, both physically and financially…. Read More »
Ensure that Your Retirement Savings Go to the Right People
Do you know how your retirement plan fits into your estate plan? Ideally you would never have to worry about this; you would spend the last penny of your savings on the day you die. But life rarely works out according to ideal circumstances, and the reality is that doing a little bit of estate… Read More »
How to Find the Perfect Senior Living Arrangement
When it comes to living arrangements, senior citizens have far more options available to them today than they ever have in the past: independent retirement communities, assisted independent communities, at-home assisted living, at-home nursing care, live-in nursing homes… the list can go on and on. Having all these options available is almost certain to make… Read More »
Stay Current and You’ll Stay Protected
In many of our previous posts we’ve stressed the importance of keeping your estate planning documents up-to-date. Changes to the law, as well as changes to your own personal, medical and financial status can wreak havoc on a well-crafted estate plan if these changes aren’t addressed. A good rule of thumb is to have your… Read More »
Senator Kennedy’s Legacy May Also Be Yours
One of the most important pieces of the recently enacted “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” is the “CLASS Act“, which stands for the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports program. Authored by the late Senator Ted Kennedy and others, it creates — for the very first time — a long term care insurance plan to help… Read More »
Stuck In The Middle: Caring For Aging Relatives
“Too rich for most government-funded social programs and not rich enough to pay for full-time, long-term care services.” Does this sound familiar? It is exactly the kind of financial situation most elderly find themselves in today, and one which requires many adult children who are still raising their own kids to also care for their… Read More »
Ensure Your Wishes for Medical Treatment are Followed: Share Them With Your Doctor
This time of year often involves spring cleaning for many families: reorganizing the closets, clearing the weeds and brush from the yard, and getting rid of all those boxes in the garage or basement. Spring seems to be a time to take stock and start fresh… at least in the home. But what about with… Read More »