When you create a medical power of attorney, you designate someone to act as your agent. Legally, this person has the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf—but only if you become incapacitated and cannot make them yourself. Choosing the right person for...
Financial abuse of older adults is a growing concern, often perpetrated by those closest to them—family members, caregivers or even trusted professionals. It can take many forms, including theft, coercion, fraud or unauthorized use of funds and assets. Fortunately, a...
If a loved one has recently passed, then you may be keen to know if they made a will. It can help you understand what must be done with the possessions they left behind. The first step would be to ask the other family members closest to them. Maybe your dad didn’t...
If your parents are getting on in life, you might be wondering whether they have an estate plan in place. The obvious way to find out the answer would be to ask them. But, if you are like many people, you may feel hesitant, lest they think it is rude of you to ask....
Aging is something that happens to us all. If you have elderly relatives, then you likely want to ensure that they can enjoy their golden years peacefully. Unfortunately, elderly people can be vulnerable to financial exploitation, and family members are their first...
Nobody thinks about possible incapacitation, but it’s one circumstance that you need to think about when you’re planning your estate. While most people focus on setting up the plan for asset distribution after their death, setting the plan for what should happen if...
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things people can do once they reach adulthood. While many people focus on their will, there’s another option they should consider for passing down assets. Some people opt to establish and fund a trust to get assets...
Most American adults are increasingly tied to online platforms, both for work and personal reasons. From social media profiles to cryptocurrency wallets, these digital assets can potentially represent both emotional and financial value. For young adults, creating a...
Estate planning can allow you to provide for loved ones while ensuring that your legacy lives on. However, heirs who struggle with managing finances may present a challenging dilemma. You wish to provide for them, but also have valid concerns about how they might...
Drafting an estate plan can be emotional. It's one of the reasons some people procrastinate doing it, as it's not easy planning for death or incapacitation. Nonetheless, you can manage the emotional side of estate planning and, in turn, protect your legacy and loved...