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What’s a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that allows you to specify the kind of care you’d like to receive in end-of-life situations. This is different from an advance healthcare directive, though either one can be an important part of an estate plan.

Posted on: March 15, 2021

What Should I Do when my Spouse Dies?

While no one is ever ready to lose a loved one, proper planning in advance of a loss may help ensure that finances may be one less concern during such a trying time.

Posted on: March 12, 2021

Get Estate Plan in Order, If Spouse Is Dying from a Terminal Illness

Planning for the death of a spouse is difficult and painful. It involves conversations that we don’t want to have.

Posted on: March 8, 2021

When Does a Power of Attorney Fail to Do Its Job?

Every estate plan should have a power of attorney, in which you give one or more people authority to act as agents on your behalf when you aren’t able to.

Posted on: February 26, 2021

Every Adult Needs a Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney

A serious illness can happen at any age, but just 18% of those 55 and older have a living will, power of attorney for health care and a last will and testament, according to a 2019 study by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. AZ Central’s recent article entitled “What to know about wills and health care…

Posted on: February 19, 2021

What to Do First when Spouse Dies

After a loved one dies, their affairs need to be set in order. You might find yourself planning a funeral, paying bills and closing accounts. The list of things you need to do after someone dies can seem endless, especially during a time when you are also grieving.

Posted on: February 5, 2021

How to Plan for Spouse’s Medicaid

When a spouse enters a nursing home, the cost of care can be financially devastating. Many families are simply unable to afford long-term care without applying for Medicaid.

Posted on: February 3, 2021

What States Make You Pay an Inheritance Tax?

As if losing a loved one weren’t hard enough, you might also have to add ‘death tax’ on the property that you receive from the estate—depending on where you live—in addition to all the other costs of death.

Posted on: February 1, 2021

SECURE Act has Changed Special Needs Planning

An applicable multi-beneficiary trust can solve some--but not all--of the challenges that the new act presents.

Posted on: January 13, 2021

What Kind of Estate Planning Mistakes Do People Make?

Many people plan their estates diligently, with input from legal, tax and financial professionals. Others plan earnestly but make mistakes that can potentially affect both the transfer and destiny of family wealth.

Posted on: January 11, 2021