Getting older often brings a fresh focus on making sure your affairs are in order. Whether you are planning ahead for yourself or handling matters after the loss of a loved one, dealing with trusts and probate can feel overwhelming. If you are the one responsible for...
Age Gracefully With A Plan In Place
Year: 2025
Don’t neglect your safe deposit box in your estate planning
If you’re preparing to put your estate plan in place, it’s important to make sure you address all your assets in one way or another. Don’t forget any assets you have stored away in a safe deposit box at a financial institution. Safe deposit boxes aren’t as frequently...
How are a person’s debts handled after they die?
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...
Tips for talking to your loved ones about your estate plan
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...
Could you be visiting your loved one at a nursing home too often?
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,...
Why do you need to redo an estate plan after divorce?
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...
What are the responsibilities of a guardian to the ward?
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...
What happens if you die intestate in Indiana?
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...
Who should you choose for a medical agent?
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...
Estate planning can help to prevent financial abuse
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...