Category: estate planning

Do I need an estate planning or an elder law attorney?

Do I need an estate planning or an elder law attorney?

Estate planning is such a misnomer.

First of all, people mistakenly think estate planning is only for the rich. For example, you must have an ‘estate’ first to worry about planning for it.

Secondly, it has less to do with your ‘estate’ and more to do with protecting your family. If you are incapacitated or die, who will care for your loved ones?

It really should be called “family planning” because attorneys help you care for your family for when you are not there. Although “family planning” means something else entirely!

As if estate planning isn’t confusing enough – now when you look for a lawyer, you see many different titles: estate planning or elder law attorney. Even probate lawyer. Which is better for you? Do you need an estate planning or elder law attorney or a probate lawyer?

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Help parents downsize and keep the peace – 6 tips

Help parents downsize and keep the peace – 6 tips

Want to help your aging parents downsize in preparation for a move? Tread carefully!

Recognize that this is an emotional time for them.  Your parents have spent a lifetime accumulating possessions so it may be hard for them to be objective. Be sensitive to their feeling and try not to be pushy. The whole process may take longer than you like. Unless you have a certain deadline such as a house sale, try to follow their timetable for getting rid of items.

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How to talk to aging parents  –  tips for a family meeting

How to talk to aging parents – tips for a family meeting

Getting together with family, especially during the holidays, is a great opportunity to catch up with your parents. As your parents age, you and your siblings may want to talk with them about any health concerns and their future plans.

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It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week!

It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week!

Did you know October 19 – October 25th, 2020 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week?

Now you do!

Here are some fun facts:

  • National Estate Planning Awareness Week is celebrated in the 3rd week of October.

  • The National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) led the effort to educate people about the importance of estate planning.

  • It was passed by Congress in 2008.

And here are not so fun facts:

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How to choose an estate planning attorney

How to choose an estate planning attorney

Finally, you want to get your estate plan together. Good for you! Taking steps now will help you and protect your family in the event of your incapacity and death. Once you start the process you will find out it is easier than doing paperwork for a mortgage. But now you have to find an attorney to help you.

But, how do you find the right one? What should you expect?

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Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation?

Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation?

Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation? Do you care for your children but also help take care of your aging parents? Even if they do not live close by, do you have concerns about their care?

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What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

 

Durable Power of Attorney, also called a Financial Power of Attorney, is a legal document that allows you to designate another to make all your financial and business decisions. An “agent” is the person you designate to act as your power of attorney, also called “attorney-in-fact.”

You can use a Durable Power of Attorney if you are hospitalized, in a coma, or even just out of the country. A Durable Power of Attorney is not contingent on you being unable to handle the transactions yourself. If you have one or more businesses or private bank accounts, you may want someone to stand in for you to manage your affairs if you can’t.

Other FAQ about durable attorneys

Who should I choose as my agent?

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10 Estate Planning Myths

10 Estate Planning Myths

Which estate planning myths are holding you back? Don’t have a will yet? You are not alone. According to a 2015 Harris poll on behalf of Rocket Lawyer: 64% of Americans don’t have a will. Why? Procrastination maybe. Or the fact that there are a lot of myths surrounding estate plannings. Here are the 10 most common estate planning myths debunked.

Myth #1: It is too late to start. 

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Welcome

Welcome to www.HodderInk.com a website to educate, inform, and entertain you as you go through the journey of caring for your family. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, member of the Sandwich Generation, or person worrying about aging parents, there will be useful information for you!

Now available “Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids” at Amazon and booksellers everywhere. Reviews can be found on our Book Review page.