Medical research confirms one of the first things people have trouble with in the very early stages of dementia is managing personal finances. This means people can make very expensive financial mistakes, often before anyone notices there is a problem. I have seen this happen, and it is heartbreaking. You…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Houston Families Beware: Elder Abuse by a Spouse Can Happen
The woman Benny claims took advantage of him was his second wife. He says after he had a stroke, she threw him in a nursing home and never saw him again. At one time, World War II veteran Benny Goo was very affluent with a gorgeous home in Hawaii. Now,…
Five Estate Planning Tools for Houston Families
If you want to stay in control of your money and medical decisions until the end, here are the five most important estate-planning documents you need to have. If you aren't sure which estate planning tools you really need, at least start with the basics. A recentCNBC article, titled "Stay…
Living Trust Advantages for Houston Families
A revocable living trust is similar to a will in that it indicates how you would like your assets to be distributed after your death and can be amended anytime. While you should always have a will, a living trust—which is simply a trust set up during your lifetime as…
Talking to Your Kids about Your Houston Estate Plan
Talking to family members about estate planning and legacies can be difficult and even painful. Those discussions, however, will almost certainly be less painful in the long run than the stories children may make up after parents are gone about why they made the choices they did. Should you tell…
Financial Pointers: Providing Care for Aging Parents in Houston
Dealing with aging parents is not only tough emotionally, but financially. As one's parents age, financial and health care discussions are essential for families to have in order to plan ahead for any care they may require. A recent Newsday article, titled"Money Fix: The cost of caregiving," tackled this tough…
Consider These Inheritance Planning Questions for Houston Estates
Making decisions about the disposition of your assets can be an emotionally fraught and time-consuming process. Take small steps and seek expert guidance to realize your plans for the financial care of your families. Who gets what when it comes to your estate? The process of distributing your assets is…
Sibling Tug-of-War: Estate Planning Nightmare
Dealing with an ill parent or their estate once they pass can be difficult, and having support through your siblings is important. However, sibling feuds can get in the way and cause conflicts during this time. Having your parents’ estate planning documents in order not only ensures their health care, finance and…
Money Mindsets and Financial Decisions for Houston Residents
Money security, in most cases, is a choice. It requires the right mindset and consistent actions. Like learning a craft or skill, time, patience and devout determination is required, most especially if you are starting from a difficult position. How do you deal with money? What is your "mindset" when…
Tragedy Can Strike at Any Time, Don’t Delay Your Estate Planning!
Family law practitioner Andy Low Hann Yong also noted a "significant increase" in inquiries for will writing service of late. He said this could be due to rising public awareness on the importance of having a will, or the occurrence of unfortunate incidents such as Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and…