At the present time the average life expectancy in the United States is between 78 and 79 years. Medical science is capable of incredible things these days, and people are learning more about how to live healthy lifestyles. As a result, it would seem logical to expect these lifespans to increase as time goes on. In fact, the segment of the population that is 85 years of age and older is the fastest growing demographic among us. So does this increased longevity mean that you really don't have to … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Is Relevant To Adults Of All Ages
If Real Property is Held by a Deceased Spouse and his Parent, how does the Surviving Spouse get Title to the Home?
I was recently asked to address a situation where Husband died and the home was held in joint tenancy between Husband and his mother. Husband had no will. The question was presented how does the surviving Wife get title to the home? Assuming Mother has predeceased Husband, upon her death legal title would have passed by right of survivorship to Husband. To remove Mother's name from the title, an Affidavit of Death of Joint Tenant would have to be prepared and a certified copy of Mother's … [Read more...] about If Real Property is Held by a Deceased Spouse and his Parent, how does the Surviving Spouse get Title to the Home?
Tax-Free Gifts Can Provide Estate Tax Efficiency
Understanding the existing estate tax parameters at any given time is an important part of the estate planning process. You may have heard that the estate tax is something that only the very wealthy have to concern themselves with, but this is really not the case. If you buy into that notion and ignore the subject entirely your loved ones could be faced with a shocking and costly revelation after you pass away. The estate tax exclusion is currently $5 million and the maximum rate is 35% for … [Read more...] about Tax-Free Gifts Can Provide Estate Tax Efficiency
Let’s Talk “Falls”
We all want to protect our family members and keep them safe, secure and independent. Knowing how to protect older adults from falls, a leading cause of injury, is a step toward that goal. Every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every three adults over the age of 65 or older will fall and two million will be treated in the emergency room for a broken hip, brain injury and multiple fractures. Thankfully, many falls can be prevented. As we age, physical … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk “Falls”
Three Reasons To Avoid Probate
Many people interested in the subject of estate planning do research on the Internet. When doing online research, the topic of probate avoidance is often mentioned. Probate is the legal process of estate administration, and though this sounds rather routine on the surface there are difficulties and costs that go along with the process, and as a result people often choose to avoid it. In this blog we highlight three of the reasons why you may want to employ probate avoidance … [Read more...] about Three Reasons To Avoid Probate
Are You Getting Prepared For Long-Term Care Costs?
There are those who adopt the attitude that "it'll never happen to me" when it comes to some of the challenging situations that many people face. There's nothing wrong with adopting a positive attitude, but there is a thin line between taking a healthy, upbeat stance and illogically keeping your head in the sand. This is something to keep in mind when you are considering the possibility of a stay in a long-term care facility at some point in the future. According to the United States Department … [Read more...] about Are You Getting Prepared For Long-Term Care Costs?
Including Advance Health Care Directives
When you are making preparations for the future there are things to consider outside of the purely financial realm, and one of them involves health care choices. There may come a time when you are unable to make medical decisions on your own due to incapacitation. If you do not state your wishes in a legally binding manner beforehand, these decisions would fall into the hands of your next of kin. In addition to the fact that it is very difficult to make sensitive decisions on behalf of another … [Read more...] about Including Advance Health Care Directives
Estate Tax At A Glance
The estate tax looms large when you are planning your estate and it can erode your assets considerably if you are not properly prepared. The first thing to take into consideration is whether or not the overall value of your estate exceeds the estate tax exclusion, and the reality is that this is easier said than done because the exclusion is a moving target. At the present time the estate tax exclusion is $5 million and the rate of the tax is 35%. This framework is in place as a result of the … [Read more...] about Estate Tax At A Glance
If an in-law draws up a Will or Trust for the parent of his or her spouse, does that void his/her spouse’s share of the inheritance?
I was asked whether or not a daughter, whose husband prepared a will for the daughter's mother, is disinherited because of her husband's involvement, specifically in reference to Probate Code Sections 21380 and following. The answer is more complicated than the question. Probate Code Section 21380 does not "disinherit" anyone. What it does is create a "presumption" that the instrument (such as a will or a trust, or other dispositive document) was obtained as a result of fraud and/or undue … [Read more...] about If an in-law draws up a Will or Trust for the parent of his or her spouse, does that void his/her spouse’s share of the inheritance?
Travel Tips for Seniors, by guest blogger, Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA, Director of Geriatric Care Management at the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law
As the holiday season approaches, families often travel from one destination to another. Preparing beforehand for traveling with a senior will save many anxious hours before and during your trip and allow you to enjoy your holiday. Airline travel preparedness will save you many moments of anxiety and exhaustion. Wendy Perrin, Conde Nast Traveler’s Consumer Travel Expert, tells us to be sure to confirm your flights at least 72 hours prior to your departure. Did you know that if you do not … [Read more...] about Travel Tips for Seniors, by guest blogger, Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA, Director of Geriatric Care Management at the Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law
