As a result of technological advancements in self-monitoring medical devices, telehealth, and smart homes, many aging Americans are able to remain in their homes for longer and live more safely. Elder law and at-home medical technology use can intersect in…
It is common to use revocable and irrevocable trusts in the estate planning process. Each has benefits and drawbacks depending on your goals. However, both trusts are legal arrangements to manage and distribute your property during your lifetime or afterward.…
One of the hardest challenges we will face in life is contemplating our own death. Yet it is very important to think carefully about the medical treatment we would want for that challenging time. Medical technology can now keep us…
The benefits of wills and trusts for estate planning are quite different. Each state has specific laws and regulations governing these legal documents. You can have both a will and a trust; however, the information in each should complement the…
The right estate planning can minimize or eliminate probate, but sometimes it's necessary, despite the stigma associated with it. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what…
When your parents are older, you need to talk to them about their finances. To broach the topic, you might bring up current events like the coronavirus pandemic, its effect on economic conditions, and how it relates to the security…
A living will specify your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment. It is often accompanied by a healthcare proxy or power of attorney, which allows someone to make treatment decisions for you if you are incapacitated and the living will does…
Frequently called a living will, an advance health care directive specifies what action you want medical professionals to take in the event that you are incapacitated. A living will is crucial for all adults because accidents or a sudden onset…
When properly prepared, a will outlines who inherits your assets and property after you die. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution, your executor makes a public notice of…
When you die without a plan, your estate's financial future and legacy to your loved ones rely on the courts to administer your state's intestacy laws. Dying without an estate plan or a basic will creates confusion, work, and heartache…