Financial abuse of older adults is a growing concern in the U.S. It often happens when someone exploits an older person’s trust or limited awareness to access their money or property. This can include scams, manipulation or pressure from people close to them. What...
Many people’s closest relatives have absolutely no idea what is in their estate plans. In many families, it is something that people do not discuss. Whether it is due to a dislike of talking about death or a feeling that conversations about money are somehow dirty and...
Transferring real property on behalf of an estate is a consequential responsibility that may arise during the estate administration process. Whether the property is a family home, vacation residence or investment property, ensuring a proper and legal transfer is...
Caring for an aging loved one often means managing a mountain of information—medical records, legal documents, care plans, prescriptions and more. In the midst of navigating emotional and logistical challenges, staying organized can feel overwhelming. Fortunately,...
One of the most challenging aspects of adulthood is the role reversal that occurs between elderly parents and their adult children. It’s very hard to watch the parents who taught you to sink a basketball for three points and how to drive a stick-shift struggle with...
Charitable trusts are tools used in estate planning to support charities while still benefiting family or personal financial goals. Two common types are charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and charitable lead trusts (CLTs). Although they sound similar, they serve...
When you’re drafting a prenup, you’re essentially addressing a divorce before it happens. If you never get divorced, it doesn’t matter—you simply don’t use the document. But if you do, then some decisions have already been made. For the most part, people use...
Once people turn 18, they are legal adults. They have certain responsibilities and rights. Most of those rights persist definitely. Anyone who is a legal adult can theoretically establish a will or draft other estate planning documents. They can select beneficiaries,...
An incentive trust gives you a chance to provide your beneficiary with specific goals. Maybe they can access the trust after they graduate from college. Perhaps they can only access it as long as they’re gainfully employed. These trusts are often used to influence...
You’ve been thinking about disinheriting one of your family members, specifically because you don’t trust them to handle that inheritance properly. Maybe they’ve struggled with drug addiction issues in the past, or maybe they just make frivolous purchases on a...
