Author Archives: Linda Fisher
What Does ‘Getting Your Affairs in Order’ Really Mean?
That “something” that happens that no one wants to come out and say is that you are either incapacitated by a serious illness or injury or the ultimate ‘something, ’ which is death. There are steps you can take that will help your family and loved ones, so they have the information they need… Read More »
Long-Term Care Costs and Your Estate Plan
There are many misunderstandings about long-term or nursing home care and how to plan from a financial and legal standpoint. The article “Five myths about nursing home costs and estate planning” from The Sentinel seeks to clarify the facts and dispel the myths. Some of the truths may be a little hard to hear,… Read More »
Are Inheritances Taxable?
Inheritances come in all sizes and shapes. People inherit financial accounts, real estate, jewelry and personal items. However, whatever kind of inheritance you have, you’ll want to understand exactly what, if any, taxes might be due, advises the article “Will I Pay Taxes on My Inheritance” from Orange Town News. An inheritance might have… Read More »
What is a Medicaid Annuity?
A common situation happens to many elderly people—needing long-term nursing home or assisted living care—without having the money to pay for it. These people may think about applying for Medicaid, the joint federal-state program that offers health coverage to eligible low-income seniors, but because they have a little too much money to qualify, they… Read More »
What Does an Elder Law Attorney Really Do?
A knowledgeable elder law attorney will make certain that he represents the best interests of his senior client in a variety of situations that usually occur in an elderly person’s life. So, while an elder care attorney will be very knowledgeable about several different areas of the law, an elder law attorney will stand… Read More »
Co-Executors: Is it Wise to Name Three Grown Children?
Is it a good idea to have your three grown children listed as co-executors of your will? This may get somewhat confusing when probating a will, if there are multiple executors. What are the pros and cons to choosing one child to act as your executor, instead of selecting all three of your children… Read More »
What Do I Tell My Kids About Their Inheritance?
For some parents, it can be difficult to discuss family wealth with their children. You may worry that when your kid learns they’re going to inherit a chunk of money, they’ll drop out of college and devote all their time to their tan. Kiplinger’s recent article, “To Prepare Your Heirs for Future Wealth, Don’t… Read More »
What the Elder Law Attorney Needs to Know
If you went to a doctor’s office and did not tell the doctor what your symptoms were, it would be hard to get a good diagnosis and treatment. The same goes for a visit to the elder law estate planning attorney. Without all the necessary facts, advises the Times Herald-Record in the article “What… Read More »
Will Contests May Be Rare, but They Do Happen
In an ideal world, wills and estate plans are created when people are sound of mind and body, just as the familiar legal phrase describes. The best way to avoid a will contest is to have a well-written will, prepared by a qualified estate planning attorney who can help avoid legal contest. However, there… Read More »
Financial Scams: How to Protect Yourself
It’s scary to think about. A time in life when people have the most assets under their care, is also the time that aging begins to take its toll on their bodies and their cognitive abilities. The legions of individuals actively preying on seniors with financial scam to take advantage of them seems to… Read More »