As parents, we always want the best for our children, even as they transition into adulthood. However, when it comes to their healthcare, things can become more complex. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that safeguards the privacy and security of individuals’ medical information. Understanding HIPAA becomes particularly important […]
Planning for Families
Responsibilities of a Healthcare Power of Attorney
In situations where individuals are unable to make important healthcare decisions for themselves, a healthcare power of attorney serves as a critical legal document. Designating a trusted person as your healthcare power of attorney ensures that your medical wishes are respected and that you receive appropriate care. Here are some of the key responsibilities of […]
A Guide for a Smooth Administration
Preparing for the future and ensuring a seamless administration of assets and responsibilities is crucial. As you plan for the inevitable, one essential aspect to consider is providing your successor trustee with the necessary information to efficiently handle your affairs. Here is our guide to the essential information your successor trustee should know in advance. […]
Tips for Successful Business Succession
Estate planning plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful business succession. Here are 10 tips to consider: 1. Create a will or trust Establish a legally binding document that clearly outlines how your business assets and ownership will be distributed upon your death. A will or trust should designate the intended successor(s) and provide […]
Navigating Affairs After a Loved One’s Passing
The loss of a loved one is a challenging and emotional time. Amidst the grieving process, there are practical matters that need attention, especially in relation to your loved one’s estate. Estate planning plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition and proper distribution of assets. Here are 10 important steps to take when […]
Exploring Asset Protection Against Creditors
Trusts are powerful tools for asset management and estate planning. When it comes to protecting your assets from potential creditors, understanding the differences between irrevocable and revocable trusts is essential. By gaining insight into these trust structures, you can make informed decisions about asset protection strategies. Revocable Trusts Revocable trusts, also known as living trusts, […]
Is Signing Away an Inheritance the Best Option?
Inheritance is often viewed as a significant windfall that can bring financial security and stability to one’s life. However, there are situations where individuals may choose to sign away their inheritance willingly. This decision, although unconventional, can carry various benefits depending on personal circumstances and considerations. What does Signing Away an Inheritance Mean? Signing away […]
Maximize Your Trust: A Guide To Funding
Funding your trust properly is important to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes and that your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from the trust. Here are 5 tips to help you fund your trust: 1. Identify which assets you need to transfer to your trust It’s important that you identify which […]
Safeguarding Seniors from Identity Theft
Identity theft is a growing problem in the digital age, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to this crime. As more seniors use online services to manage their finances, communicate with loved ones, and access healthcare, they become targets for identity thieves. Here are 7 tips and strategies to help seniors protect themselves against identity theft: […]
How to Plan for Your Child to Turn 18
Planning for your child’s transition into adulthood is an important step in ensuring their success and independence. Here are some tips for planning for your young adult to turn 18: 1. Talk About Finances As your child turns 18, they will become legally responsible for their own finances. This means it’s important to talk to […]
The Importance of Appointing Guardians
Having guardians set for your children in case something happens to you is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your children are taken care of in the event of an emergency. Here are some reasons why it’s so important: 1. Ensure Your Children’s Care By appointing guardians for your […]
How to Plan For A Child With Special Needs
Estate planning is an important consideration for all parents, but it is especially important for parents of special needs children. It is important for parents of special needs children to have a solid estate plan in place to ensure that their child’s needs are met and their assets are managed appropriately. Here are 4 considerations […]
Estate Planning For Blended Families
Blended families are becoming more and more common. These families often include stepchildren, ex-spouses, and other complicated relationships that can make estate planning a challenge. However, with careful consideration and planning, it is possible to create an estate plan that addresses the unique needs of blended families. Here are 5 tips for blended families: 1. […]
How to Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider
As a patient, you have a right to be involved in the decisions that affect your health. This includes decisions about your medications. Effective communication with your healthcare provider is crucial in ensuring that you receive the right medications and that they are prescribed in the right way. Here are some tips on how to […]
7 Ways to Know Your Assets Are Protected
Protecting your assets is an essential part of financial planning, whether you are just starting out or are already established. Your assets are what you have worked hard for, and you want to make sure that they are secure and protected. Here are some tips for protecting your assets: Protecting your assets requires planning, diligence, […]
How to Pick a Trustee, Executor, and Agent
While the term fiduciary is a legal term with a rich history, it very generally means someone who is legally obligated to act in another person’s best interests. Trustees, executors, and agents are all examples of fiduciaries. When you pick trustees, executors, and agents in your estate plan, you’re picking one or more people to […]
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes
Assisted living facilities and nursing homes are long-term housing and care options for older adults. Although people sometimes use the terms assisted living and nursing home synonymously, they are distinct. Understanding the differences between assisted living and nursing homes is critical for those considering where to live as they age. This is because assisted living […]
Traveling for the Holidays? 5 Things to Take Care Of
Are you planning on traveling for the holidays? Before you zip up the last suitcase, here are five issues you need to address to protect yourself and your loved ones. 1. Do you have a foundational estate plan? Has it been reviewed? An estate plan is a set of instructions memorialized in legal documents that […]
Gift & Estate Tax Exclusions Rise in 2023
Although inflation is generally nothing to be pleased about, the IRS recently announced inflation-adjusted changes to the annual gift tax annual and estate tax exclusions for 2023. If you are considering wealth transfer tax planning, these are welcome increases. Gift Tax Annual Exclusion Effective January 1, 2023, the gift tax annual exclusion will increase from […]
Power of Attorney: Agent’s Role
For most people, the phrase “power of attorney” means very little. Even for those educated on the subject, it is easy to forget exactly who serves what role and why. Whether you are unfamiliar with the concept or simply need a refresher, keep reading to learn what it means to be an agent under a […]