What is Elder Law?

Did you know that just because you are awarded an inheritance, you don’t have to accept it? When you receive a gift from someone’s estate, you can refuse to accept the gift for any reason. This is called “disclaiming” the gift. When you disclaim a gift, you have no right to decide who gets it. … Read more

Assets can be placed directly into a living trust to avoid probate, but also in some situations you may choose to instead transfer the property by beneficiary deed. A beneficiary deed lists who the owner wants to inherit the property after his/her death. The new deed must be signed and recorded with the office of … Read more

Every business owner knows that building a business takes dedication, commitment, hard work, sacrifice, sweat equity, and yes, a little luck. There is nothing quite like the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from owning a successful business, whether it is a partnership or family-owned. To maintain the fruits of your labor, you should … Read more

Estate planning conversations shouldn’t focus solely on what will happen to your assets after death, but also on what may happen if you experience diminishing mental capacity during your lifetime as a result of an accident, disease, medication, or dementia. It can happen at any age. A General Durable Power of Attorney (POA) focuses primarily … Read more

Did you know that access to an electronic record is considered a digital asset? You should establish a way to keep track of important logins, passwords, access keys and personal identification numbers (PINs) to ensure your family and power of attorney can access important online and electronic records when the need arises. Make a list … Read more

The most important decision you make as a business owner, whether starting a new business, purchasing a business, or reviewing a current business entity, is choosing the legal structure that will protect your personal assets. Three options to consider: Doing Business As (DBA): This option is simply filing a fictitious name registration for your business … Read more

A New Year means it’s time to act on your resolutions. Getting organized is one of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions, according to a recent Reader’s Digest survey. Organizing your home and office are lofty goals and can lessen the chaos of your everyday life. However, consider how important it is to have your … Read more

These may be the four most important words for an entrepreneur or small-business owner who often operates on a “handshake” principle: Get it in writing. The challenge and excitement of starting a new business can lead to entering business agreements haphazardly or with complete trust of the other party, especially if it is with a … Read more

Wartime veterans or their surviving spouse with limited income may be eligible to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help pay for assistance they may need in everyday activities or with long-term elder care, home care aides, skilled nursing, or adult daycare. The VA announced new rules going into effect on October 18, … Read more

It makes sense for you to name a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary for your vehicles. That way, your vehicle can be transferred to the beneficiary quickly and easily, without probate court approval. (Beware: the beneficiary inherits any outstanding debts on the vehicle, as well as the vehicle.) If you have a Trust, be sure to make … Read more