Houston Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney Blog

Dr. Marcia Levetown Communication Solution

Published on: June 18, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

We have recently learned about an exciting new service that we believe may help assist clients in bridging the gap between the circles of care, as we noted in yesterday's blog.

Marcia Levetown, M.D. has recently formed HealthCare Communication Associates^[^1]. Her mission is to lessen the confusion, anxiety and risks associated with chronic and/or severe illness and to help enhance the quality of life for both clients and their loved ones. HealthCare Communication Associates' clients benefit from having full, personal attention focused on their well-being.

HCA is the ultimate second opinion, offered by competent medical professionals on a one-to-one basis, with client-focused information and communication tailored to the clients' and families' needs.

It’s True! Old Age Isn’t For Sissies!

Published on: June 17, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Why is getting older so difficult? No one expects to be impaired or disabled — we are a hopeful species!

Why is it so difficult to get comprehensive advice about effective aging strategies to better protect yourself and your loved ones? In many cases, because the answers do not live within only one specialized knowledge base. In dealing with the care of aging parents or other loved ones, there are three realms of concern at play, which operate in interlocking circles: Health; Finance and Legal.

Each of the three circles represents one of the emerging needs of older Americans best addressed by elder-centric professionals. We suggest that professionals within the health care, financial and legal worlds work together to provide a seamless and proactive approach to managing age-related concerns, such as chronic illness and related hardships. As professionals, we can still respect the attorney-client privilege, guard personal health information, and help maintain an elder's dignity and independence.

Report Notes Regional Causes of Death in U.S.

Published on: June 15, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

See where boating accidents, law enforcement intervention, firearms and other unexpected events caused deaths at abnormally high rates. Lesson? Get your estate planning in order; you never know when your time will come to an end.

Death can be unexpected and some Houston families can be caught unprepared following a loved one’s sudden death.

A recent issue of Time magazine discussed cause of death statistics in an article titled, "The Surprising Ways Americans Die in all 50 States."

Divorced? Update Beneficiary Designations

Published on: June 12, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Fran had just learned that her deceased husband Ed’s life insurance proceeds were going to be paid to his ex-wife Sally. As Fran found out from her lawyer, beneficiary designations can be the trump card of estate planning.

You heard that right. The ex-wife Sally will get the life insurance proceeds. It doesn’t matter what the will says in these circumstances. With certain financial instruments the beneficiary designations have authority to control the asset disposition regardless of other provisions.

A recent WMUR article, titled “Money Matters: The trump card of estate planning,”sets out a handful of good pointers to remember.

Senate Strives to Ease Medical Care Access for Veterans

Published on: June 11, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

The bill relaxes a rule that makes getting specialized care from local doctors difficult for some veterans in rural areas.

The Associated Press investigated this new legislation in a recent article titled “Senate tweaks health law to boost specialized care.”

You’re Getting Married? Is Your Estate Plan Current?

Published on: June 10, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

At some point, everyone needs to consider estate planning. It’s time to create an up-to-date estate plan when you experience one of these life events.

Think estate planning isn’t for you? Think again! And it’s not just a one-time deal; changes in your life should result in changes to your plan, so be ready to make some updates.

The Richland Source notes in a recent article, titled “Do you need an estate plan?”, that it’s time to create an up-to-date estate plan when you have one of these life events:

Pre-Retirement To-Do’s for Houston Boomers

Published on: June 9, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Don’t wait until the very last minute to make sure you are prepared, says Michael H. Milarski, a partner and senior financial advisor with Signature Financial Planning.

Have you checked your list and you’re sure you’re ready to retire? You may have a few items to address before your golden years can begin.

A recent Fox Business article, titled “5 Things to Do Now if You’re Near Retirement,”says that these are the five important things to work on in the five years before you retire.

$788K Estate Could Remain Unclaimed

Published on: June 8, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

Thus far, many people have attempted to establish a link – none have been successful. If no one claims the inheritance in 30 years, the money goes to the British crown.

No will or other estate planning documents could be found for Kathleen Hilda Ryan, who passed away in Greenwhich, United Kingdom in 2013 with an estate valued at $788,000. She had inherited the bulk of it from her sister, Joan.

Kathleen had no children of her own and no living siblings.

Time to Review Your Houston Estate Plan: 4 Key Dates

Published on: June 5, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

So how do you know if your estate plan is out-of-date? If your will or trust predates these four key “freshness dates,” it may be time to visit your attorney for a review.

Estate plans are not meant to be a one-time deal. If life changes – or the law changes – you need to update your plan accordingly.

The website nextavenue.org recently posted a very informative article, titled “Why Your Will May Be Out of Date,” which states that although your estate planning documents are still valid, they may no longer work the way you originally thought they would.

Can I Have Your Password, Please?

Published on: June 4, 2015 | By McCulloch & Miller, PLLC

“‘Do you have any important business online?’ That is now just as important of a conversation as asking somebody their health care preferences in a life-threatening situation.”

Leaving your digital accounts out of your Houston estate plan can prove to be a big, bad mistake.

Most digital accounts require passwords for access, even accounts we would not have considered as important even a decade ago.