Many people have debts throughout adulthood. These can include things like bills for medical care, credit cards, car notes and mortgages. Some people don’t think about what happens to those when the account holder dies, but it’s important to understand what’s likely...
Creating your estate plan is a major task, and it’s one that has many different facets. One that some people neglect is telling their loved ones about the contents of the estate plan once it’s set. Talking to your loved ones about the estate plan might not be...
When a loved one transitions into a nursing home, it’s natural to feel a deep sense of responsibility and concern. Many family members want to remain as involved as possible, offering companionship, support and reassurance that their loved one is not alone. However,...
Adults who create estate plans can’t assume that these are make-it-and-forget-it events. Instead, there are specific times when an estate plan must be updated. One of these is when a person goes through a divorce. Indiana state law specifies that the terms of a...
When an elderly loved one can no longer make safe or informed decisions due to illness, injury or cognitive decline, seeking legal guardianship may become necessary. A court-appointed guardian can provide much-needed support by stepping in to protect the individual’s...
Many adults know the importance of having an estate plan, but that doesn’t mean that they make one right away. If you haven’t created an estate plan yet, you need to understand what may happen if you die without one. Dying without an estate plan is known as dying...
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....