Category Archives: Estate Planning
What to Do if You’re Appointed Trustee
Your friend Rose has created a trust and she would like you to be her trustee. You want to help, but you’re concerned about all that responsibility that comes along with being appointed trustee. You would be managing Rose’s property for her and for others whom she names as beneficiaries. You might be paying… Read More »
What to Do if You’re Appointed Guardian of Property in Maryland
Your grandfather Martin can no longer make decisions on his own. A court appoints you to be Martin’s guardian of property, to manage Martin’s assets. You become Martin’s “fiduciary.” The law now requires you to act to a high standard of good faith and honesty. Appointed Guardian of Property in Maryland: What Now? There’s… Read More »
How to Manage Someone Else’s Social Security or Veteran’s Benefits
Let’s assume you have been appointed to help manage someone else’s social security benefits. As an example, let’s pretend it’s you forty-year-old nephew, Roberto. In the Social Security system, you’ll be called Roberto’s “representative payee.” The situation is similar if you’re appointed to help your elderly father, who has dementia, manage his Veteran’s benefit… Read More »
Do Married Couples Need Separate Estate Plans?
The average American family has changed a great deal over the last few decades. The assumption that a couple will share finances, tax obligations, and a last name is one that does not necessarily apply in the 21st century. There are more options than ever before to keep your finances, identity, and future plans… Read More »
What is a financial power of attorney?
The wealth, property, and investments we accrue over a lifetime are often significant. While you have carefully managed your finances through the years, there may eventually come a time when you cannot handle such decisions. Planning for the likelihood that you are unable to manage your financial affairs is paramount, thus it’s important to… Read More »
Preparing for Deployment? Here’s What You Need to Do
You just received your orders, and you will be deployed shortly. No matter the time frame, there is still time to make sure your affairs are in order. Here are 4 things you need to do to safeguard your family’s future while preparing for deployment. 4 Things You Need to Do When Preparing for… Read More »
Can I make a video will?
In the golden age of the smartphone, you’re never far from a camera. This has made the sharing of videos and photos easier than ever before. Easy access to a quality camera has led many people to wonder: can I make a video will? More importantly, folks are curious about whether such a “will”… Read More »
Does a Revocable Living Trust Protect Me Against Lawsuits? (Hint: NO!)
Many people believe that once they set up a Revocable Living Trust and transfer assets into the trust, those assets are protected from lawsuits. This is absolutely not true. While Trusts commonly provide asset protection for beneficiaries, few trusts protect assets owned by the person who created the trust. No Immediate Asset Protection? … Read More »
My Trust is Signed, No Probate for My Family Right?
Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s… Read More »
New Blood Test For Alzheimer’s May Detect the Disease Years Before Onset of Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more prevalent among aging Americans, and there are more aging Americans than ever before. Alzheimer’s disease has three typical biomarkers: plaques of beta-amyloid protein, tangles of tau protein, and loss of connections in the synapses that communicate information between brain cells. Now a simple blood test for Alzheimer’s may be able… Read More »
