Articles

Estate Planning on a sticky note near calculator and reading glasses

Successfully Avoiding Probate Court

Many people have been told that it is important for people to “avoid probate.” Just because people may have heard that term, that doesn’t mean they know exactly what probate means, why it can be a problem, or how to successfully avoid it. In th… Read More
Categories: Probate
Overmedicating

The Prevalence of Overmedicating Americans with Alzheimer's

The concurrent use of multiple prescription medications, or polypharmacy, is prevalent in the elderly American population. The more medications a person takes, the higher the risk of dangerous drug-to-drug interactions and increased possibility of in… Read More
Beware of Undue Influence

Beware of Undue Influence

It’s the unfortunate truth that when our loved ones become elderly or ill, they become susceptible to manipulation from those who will defraud or steal. Targeted attacks on vulnerable older people to exert what attorneys deem undue influence consti… Read More
“For the 99.5% Act

“For the 99.5% Act": A Look at Proposed Changes and Estate Planning

On March 21, 2021, Rep. Jimmy Gomez and Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a new bill into Congress called, “For the 99.5% Act.” The bill’s introduced form is only 18 pages long, but its potential impact on federal estate and gift tax l… Read More
Adult child and parent holding hands

What Are Your Parents' Aging Strategies?

In the United States, it’s very common for adult children to live far away from their aging parents. Managing aging parents’ or in-laws’ medical events can be a serious challenge without proper preparation and understanding of their str… Read More
Social Security Cards for identification and retirment USA

Should You Receive Social Security Benefits Early?

Receiving your social security benefits at an earlier age will not reduce the overall amount of your benefit over time. Because you will be taking it at a younger age, your monthly payment will be smaller than if you had waited (up to 30% less than i… Read More
Categories: Senior Issues
Reduce Fall Risk. Senior woman helping her husband to stand up after fall while they were jogging.

Tips on Lowering Senior Fall Risk

One out of five senior falls causes a serious injury — such as a broken bone or head trauma — according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Injuries of this sort can make life difficult for an older person to do everyd… Read More
Probate in brown envelope and judges gavel

The Process of Probate

When someone passes away, there is an often-lengthy legal procedure. This involves a court overseeing the process of authenticating the will, reviewing the deceased’s assets, paying outstanding debts, and distributing the remaining property to the… Read More
sign and drive through teller and atm at a bank

Should You Add Your Child’s Name to Your Bank Account?

Even if you wanted to have another party available to keep track of bills when you’re sick or away, adding a child’s name to a bank account may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Doing so may have unintended consequences for both you and the… Read More
RISK in red wooden blocks keeping other blocks from falling on a wooden house

Property Co-Ownership Can Be Risky

Too often, people try to circumvent probate challenges by deeding property away to someone else during their lives or by putting someone else on the deed to their home. Also too often, doing this leads to unintended consequences and higher attorneys&… Read More