Your will is a legally-binding statement directing who will receive your property at your death.  Why should you have a will? Here are some reasons.

Elderlaw 101

Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or her own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions due to a mental disability, the court will appoint a substitute decision...

Elderlaw 101

Not all estates will be taxed.  The so-called “fiscal cliff” deal that Congress enacted in January 2013 sets the amount that an individual can transfer tax-free either during life or at death.

Elderlaw 101

When planning your estate it is important to understand the difference between probate and non-probate assets.

Elderlaw 101

There are some serious drawbacks to many options for giving gifts to grandchildren. Either there are no tax or estate planning advantages, or you have no control of the funds (or lose control after a certain point), or the money...

Elderlaw 101

Gifting assets to your grandchildren can do more than help your descendants get a good start in life; it can also reduce the size of your estate and the tax that will be due upon your death.

Elderlaw 101

For most people, the durable power of attorney is the most important estate planning instrument available -- even more useful than a will. ...

Elderlaw 101

Estate administration is the process of managing and distributing a person’s property (the “estate”) after death.

Elderlaw 101

The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) are sometimes called the “granddaddies” of college savings accounts.

Elderlaw 101