Are you surprised that such a complex topic can be divided into just four sections? Once these difficult tasks are accomplished, you’ll have some much needed perspective that will help the rest of the process along. According to a recent article in Forbes, “How Much Do You Need To Retire:…
Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog
Before You File Your 2016 Taxes, Review These Tax Breaks for the Disabled
There is some kindness in the tax code, especially when it comes to the disabled and their care givers. There are a few tax breaks that are intended to alleviate some of the financial burden. Even when a disabled person is able to work, they or their caregivers must incur…
Savvy Tips for Dealing with an Inheritance
Inheritances by their very nature, create many mixed emotions. While you are grateful for the inheritance, you are grieving, which is a painful experience that impacts decision-making skills. Perhaps the most important thing to know when you are grieving the loss of a loved one and expect to receive an…
Alzheimer’s or Dementia Screening Now Covered by Medicare
You might think that any doctor seeing patients over a certain age would automatically screen for Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, but until now that has not been the case. Starting in January, Medicare will now begin reimbursing doctors for screening and providing information about care planning for patients with…
RMDs for Retirement Accounts: What You Need to Know
New Year’s Eve is the deadline for taking RMDs if you are older than 70 ½. Haven’t started yet? Get on this right away to get it done in time. Otherwise, be prepared to pay a penalty. You still have a little time to beat the last minute rush on…
Senior Weddings Call for a Different Kind of Planning
If you’re walking down the aisle again, there are a number of smart steps to take before you say “I do” another time. Just as your life was probably simpler the first time you married, your subsequent marriage, especially if it occurs late in life, can become problematic, if good…
A Checklist for Post-Funeral Tasks
There are a number of tasks that need to be done after a loved one passes. A Houston estate planning attorney can help make these tasks easier. Most people don’t know that there is a time limit on certain tasks that need occur after someone passes away. According to WXYZ…
From Inside the Firm: Tom’s “Do’s and Don’ts” for Succession Planning
TOM’S 8 TIPS FOR SUCCESSION PLANNING(1) © Realize that your Exit Strategy is not business as usual. Get knowledgeable guidance e.g. from financial/legal advisors (team approach). Start now. Be realistic about objectives: Is it first and goal to go or is it a goal line defense? Anticipate Buyer’s due diligence. Financial statements…
Not If, But When: Make a Plan for Incapacity
Incapacity might be harder for some people to imagine than death. They can’t wrap their thoughts around the idea of being alive yet unable to function. Making decisions for how you want to be cared for while you are still able to choose, is a gift to yourself and your…
Leave a Legacy of Peace for Your Family with Conversations and Estate Planning
When the greed nerve gets tapped, relationships suffer. There are things you can do now that will lessen the likelihood of family battles after you pass. Every family has its own dynamics, and some siblings that never resolve their differences, no matter how many years go by. When both parents…