Within the First Week: Determine whether any of decedent’s (decedent = deceased person) property needs to be safeguarded, such as a home, vehicle, vacation house, office, etc. Ensure that proper funeral/cremation arrangements have been made. Look for any letters of instruction/final wishes – our clients are typically given a “Memorial Instructions” worksheet, located in their…
Continue reading…Category: Elder Law
What Could Happen If You Write Your Own Living Trust?
Readers often ask me about do-it-yourself estate planning. Lawyers want to know how to discourage clients from using books or software and websites that spew out documents for free or for a fraction of what they charge. Meantime, consumers ask, “What’s wrong with that?” The trouble with do-it-yourself planning is that even if your situation…
Continue reading…Protecting an Elderly Mother’s Assets
Dear Liz: Could you advise us on how to protect our 93-year-old mother’s assets if she should become ill or die? She does not have a living will or a trust regarding her two properties. Answer: “If” she should become ill or die? Your mother has been fortunate to have had a long life, presumably…
Continue reading…Overview of Life Estates
Overview of Life Estates Establishing a Life Estate is a relatively simple process in which you transfer your property to your children, while retaining your right to use and live in the property. Life Estates are used to avoid probate, maximize tax benefits and protect the real property from potential long-term care expenses you may…
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