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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

Trusts Make Sense Even When You Aren’t a Billionaire

Done right by a lawyer, your heirs can avoid the expense and time of probating your will and may save on estate taxes, while easing the administration of your affairs while alive and after you have gone.

Posted on: December 30, 2020

What Changes Have Been Made to Protect Senior Investors?

The revisions to the Sanction Guidelines come after both FINRA and the National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) reviewed the current guidelines and expressed concerns over potential undue influence exercised over senior investors or those investors who may not be able to protect their own interests.

Posted on: December 10, 2020