Category Archives: HIPAA
What Legal Documents Should You Have?
You might think that the coronavirus pandemic has caused everyone to get their estate planning documents in order, but the 20th annual Transamerica Retirement Survey of Retirees found that 30% of all retirees have nothing prepared—not even a will. That’s not good, for them or their families, says this timely article “6 Legal Documents… Read More »
What Kind of Estate Planning Mistakes Do People Make?
Estate planning for any sized estate is an important responsibility to loved ones. Done correctly, it can help families flourish over generations, control how legacies are distributed and convey values from parents to children to grandchildren. However, a failed estate plan, says a recent article from Suffolk News-Herald titled “Estate planning mistakes to avoid,… Read More »
What Steps to Take when Dementia Begins
Covid-19 has made travelling more difficult, so holiday visits this year may not be the same triggering event they were in the past. However, even an online holiday visit can reveal a great deal of change, reports a recent article “Elder Care: When the children don’t notice” from The Sentinel. An elderly spouse caring… Read More »
Know Your Parents’ Aging Strategies Before a Medical Crisis Hits
Many adult children in the US live far away from their parents. Managing aging parents or in-law medical events can be a serious challenge without proper preparation and understanding of what your parents’ strategy may or may not be, no matter where you live. Do you know what legal documentation your parents have in… Read More »
Caring for a Loved One from a Distance
Trying to coordinate care from a distance becomes a challenge for many, especially since as many as 80% of caregivers are working. Add COVID-19 into the mix, and the situation becomes even more difficult, reports the article “When your parent is far away and you are trying to care for them” from the Pittsburgh… Read More »
When Do We Need an Elder Law Attorney?
Kiplinger’s article “When Elder Care Requires Legal Advice” explains that this is when a lot of panicked calls are made to elder law attorneys. These attorneys specialize in planning for the legal complications that can arise in old age. However, seldom do people think to consult one preemptively to avoid making that panicked phone… Read More »
Is It Time for a Pre-‘Check-out’ Checkup?
Federal News Network’s recent article entitled “Divorced, kids grown, moving? Time for a pre-checkout checkup!” says life changes mean changes for your estate plan, like when your children grow up and leave the home. Let’s review some of the key components of a complete estate plan. A basic estate plan includes powers or attorney… Read More »
What are Power of Attorney Options?
FedWeek’s recent article entitled “The Options in Granting Powers of Attorney” explains that a power of attorney designates someone else to handle your affairs, if you can’t. Here are the major types: Limited power of attorney. This allows an agent to act on your behalf under specific circumstances, like a home sale closing that… Read More »
Do I Need More Than a Will?
If you die without a will (i.e., intestate), a court will determine who inherits your assets and who would care for any surviving children as a guardian. CNBC’s recent article entitled “A will doesn’t cover all your bases when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Here’s what else you need” explains that some assets pass… Read More »
Don’t Overlook Key Parts of Estate Plan
The importance of having key estate planning documents cannot be overstated. That includes a will, an advance directive, powers of attorney for health care and financial matters and guardianships for minor children. Trusts may also be part of an estate plan, and they need to be created and funded in a timely manner. However,… Read More »