You’ve written out your final wishes, how you want your possessions to be distributed after you pass away. It is in your own handwriting and signed by you. Is your handwritten will legal? That’s a little tricky. The short answer is, probably yes. But you have to make sure you cover all of your bases.…

Generally, elder abuse takes many forms, and it can be difficult to spot. However, learning the warning signs of elder abuse is vital in protecting your loved one. Here are some common signs of elder abuse to watch out for. Physical injuries: Bruises, broken bones, and cuts Behavioral changes: Your loved one keeps to themselves…

Financial abuse is when an abuser controls a victim’s ability to acquire, use, and access economic resources. It occurs frequently in domestic abuse and elder abuse situations. Watch out for these elder abuse red flags: Victim frequently gifts expensive items to abuser Victim is missing financial documents, credit cards, and valuable belongings Victim is unaware…

If you have a senior loved one living in a nursing facility or with a caregiver at home, you’ve probably thought of elder abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, many people forgo the signs of elder abuse or assume it can’t happen to their loved ones since they keep an eye on them 24/7. Here are three…

Who needs to have an estate plan? Is it only the purview of the ultra-wealthy? Or should most people consider developing one? Most knowledgeable financial and legal professionals will argue that more, rather than less, people should have an estate plan. Here’s why: You can reduce estate taxes upon your passing Probate can be avoided…

An Irrevocable Trust permanently shifts assets to the trust from the grantor’s estate. This can protect your assets from a range of liabilities, such as tax. It can prove to be an effective estate planning tool. However, it’s not a decision to be made lightly. Three key reasons for this: You cannot make changes to…

If you’re on the fence about getting a regular power of attorney or durable power of attorney, here’s a guide that can help you decide. The main difference between a durable financial (POA) attorney and a regular power of attorney is that the latter comes to an end when the person granting the power of…

Durable Financial (POA) power of attorney is a simple and inexpensive way to arrange for someone to make your financial decisions when you’re incapacitated. Whether you’re suffering from mental or physical incapacity, a Durable Financial (POA) ensures you can protect your best interest and financials. Without a Durable Financial (POA), your loved ones have to…

These involve executors and trustees when managing and distributing a deceased person’s assets. The three key duties cover: Care: a breach may occur if the assets are not managed both according to the estate documents and relevant law Impartiality: a breach could take place if a representative favors one beneficiary over another, thus failing to…

Many folks wonder if they need to choose between creating a will, or alternatively, establishing a family living trust. Many professionals agree it’s not one or the other but both. A will, which becomes effective upon your passing, stipulates what you want to be done with your assets after you die. A living trust becomes…

There can be many different elements within anyone’s estate plan. Typically, it might include any or all of the following… Will Trusts Power of Attorney Healthcare Living Will Executors, Guardian, Trustees and other appointments Details of beneficiaries Division of Assets These, and many other parts of your overall Estate Planning strategy, require a regular review…

With certain government benefit programs, such as Social Security, Medicaid and Food Stamps, an individual with one or more disabilities or chronic health problems can potentially lose some or all of their benefits if they receive a lump sum of money or property gift or donations from a fundraiser. The money is typically counted as…