In the wake of the loss of a spouse or long-term partner, it can be difficult to think of anything other than your grieving. However, it is crucial to understand there are important and timely decisions you need to make…
Despite its negative reputation, probate can sometimes be avoided or minimized with thoughtful estate planning. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what probate is in conjunction…
When it comes to distributing your assets in your estate plan, life insurance may not seem relevant at first glance. However, life insurance can be an integral, indispensably important part of a well-thought-out estate plan. There are numerous other benefits…
An appeals court recently ruled that some Medicare beneficiaries may now appeal decisions regarding their patient status. The Underlying Issue When Medicare patients go to a hospital, they often enter through the emergency department. The physician who attends to them…
Martin, your grandfather, cannot make decisions on his own anymore. A court appoints you to be Martin’s guardian of property, to help Martin manage his money. You become Martin’s “fiduciary.” The law now requires you to act to a high…
There is nothing you can do about aging, and it affects everyone in your family. It can be challenging for adult children to imagine their parents as seniors and to understand and respond to the reality that each parent will…
People with disabilities can save money tax-free through special needs trusts (SNT) and Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts (ABLE). Both options provide a mechanism for saving money and protecting resources that ensures the person with a disability (PWD) continues…
In order to help Roberto manage his Social Security benefits, you have been assigned to assist him. In the Social Security system, you’ll be called Roberto’s “representative payee.” The situation is similar if you’re appointed to help your elderly father,…
According to sources, long-term care facilities are underfunded by government agencies. They lack the resources to do proper inspections of residential health facilities. You may have seen the rating system provided by the Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).…
The thought of our own death is one of the most challenging things we will ever face. Yet it is very important to think carefully about the medical treatment we would want for that challenging time. Medical technology can now…