"The mess comes when you don't have proper estate planning," said Robert Nachshin, a family law attorney based in Los Angeles. An important tool in that toolbox is a prenup, which spells out how assets should be split up if the marriage fails or a spouse dies. Nachshin said that…
Once the basic documents are in place, they should be revisited periodically. If there is a major change in your circumstances- good or bad, your attorney should know. How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along for your finances and estate plan? Fox News recently posted some tips in an…
"I think it's great because it's not overreaching and it's not underreaching. It just kind of fits that one spot where we didn't have something: How does somebody with a disability put some money aside to do something? To basically be living like their peers," said Lori Guzman, an attorney…
While not all encompassing, these guides serve as a starting point to help your parents. There are many family dynamics at play when these types of planning conversations arise, so you need to be cognizant of patterns and relationships. Starting earlier will reap dividends for everyone; delaying these conversations can…
How big a problem is impossible to say, because hard data is scarce. “The reality is that we don’t even have national data on the scope of the problem,” Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), said at the hearing. It has been found that much of the financial abuse involving seniors goes…
In continuation of the series on estate and life planning, this column focuses on how Medicaid factors into financial planning for long-term care. Seniors need to have a plan in place for long-term care, should they need care assistance in the future. A recent article in The Victoria (TX) Advocate…
"Detectives are still actively investigating the elder abuse case," LAPD spokesperson Jane Kimtold THR. "They want to be as thorough as possible before a case is presented to the DA's office." The hits just keep coming in DJ Casey Kasem’s estate battle. The Hollywood Reporter quoted private investigator Logan Clarke…
Blended families without a proper estate plan for wealth transfer could run into additional obstacles not observed by traditional families. For example, state inheritance rules, intestate laws, and conflicts in beneficiary designations could be inconsistent with the will. In addition, a disinheritance of new family members without the knowledge of…
Arlene Germain, president of Massachusetts Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, said the new rules, once implemented, could substantially improve the lives of nursing home residents. But, she said, “strong oversight and greater nursing home participation are critical to ensure that the law’s benefits are meaningful and widespread.” The process for…
There’s barely a person over the age of 40 or so who does not come with a family squabble about, well, things following the death of a well-loved parent, grandparent, or family friend. Even Robin Williams, who planned his estate well, could not avoid a family feud after his passing.…