When a family member can no longer care for themselves, the conversations you must have with other loved ones are often challenging. The American Association of Retired Persons reports that many individuals find themselves making decisions regarding a parent's or...
White Plains Long-Term Care Planning Law Blog
Should your estate plan have a do-not-resuscitate order?
When most individuals think about estate planning, their minds go to their personal wealth. While settling your debts and disposing of your assets is certainly important, your estate plan also should address your medical goals and end-of-life care. If you do not want...
3 questions to ask your aging parents about their estate plan
Talking to your parents about the distribution of their estate and inheritance is not easy. It is an acknowledgment of a reality that nobody on either side is ready to accept. Talking about estate planning is necessary, however. Your parents will be able to enjoy...
Is a relative the best choice for executor?
When you start working on your estate plan, one of the first things you must decide is who you want serving as the executor of your estate. This is a pivotal role and the person you select must fit certain criteria. Naturally, you may lean toward a trusted relative...
What should you know about trusts?
A solid estate plan must include a few different tools to protect your assets. As explained by U.S. News & World Report, trusts are an essential estate planning tool. A lot of people have misconceptions about trusts or might believe they are only necessary for...
How can you watch out for a manipulator?
When dealing with an estate plan, it is possible for things to feel overwhelming and out of hand quickly due to the complex nature of the process. Things often get more complicated when a vulnerable person is the grantor of an estate. Unfortunately, manipulators will...
Signs that you need a will
At its most basic, a will directs the distribution of certain property at the time of your death. Most people know that a will belongs on a shortlist of essential documents for estate planning. However, you might not know what factors make it beneficial to have a...
Naming a health care proxy: what to know
Even if young and healthy, people should consider setting up advance care directives such as naming a health care proxy. If Illness or injury leaves them unable to make decisions for themselves, this personal representative will make medical choices for them. Due to...
New baby? How to update your estate plan
As the parent of a new baby, you know that he or she will depend on you for just about everything. Children depend heavily on their caregivers in order to remain healthy, safe and protected until they are old enough to care for themselves. From the moment he or she is...
What should go in an estate plan?
The first time you create an estate plan, you may not know what you should expect. You may believe the only element is a will. However, this is not true. A comprehensive estate plan should include several documents and directives, all aimed at honoring your wishes and...