Odds and Ends

In Memory of Jake

My family experienced the full spectrum of emotions last week. We started the week celebrating my brother’s wedding, and ended it grieving the death of my father-in-law,…

FAQs About Estate Planning

You’ve Signed Your Estate Planning Documents…Now What?

Once you’ve signed your estate planning documents—your will, powers of attorney and other important paperwork—you’re more prepared than most Americans. However, you’re not out of the woods…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Three Dangerous Consequences of Putting Off Estate Planning

Any attorney can tell you it’s best to create your will while you’re healthy and in full command of all your resources. Unfortunately, though, some people just…

FAQs About Estate Planning

Does an IRA Beneficiary Designation Override a Will?

I recently received a note from a woman whose mother had recently passed away. Her mother’s Will directed that her estate be divided equally among her three…

Newsworthy

How To Talk With A Friend Who Is Sick

At some point in our lives, most of us will know someone who is facing a life-threatening illness. We’ll want to help, but may not know just…

Special Needs Trusts

Guidance For Trustees of Special Needs Trusts

If you have been named as the trustee of a special needs trust, you likely have many questions about how to administer the trust. You can…

Special Needs Trusts

Should I Disinherit My Disabled Child to Protect His Benefits?

Parents whose children are receiving government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid, know that those benefits are means-tested. Those with countable assets greater than…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Can a Comatose Patient Communicate End-Of-Life Wishes?

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned an article I read recently about a study that suggested 20 percent of the tens of…

FAQs About Powers of Attorney and Directives

How Do I Revoke a Living Will?

The directive to physicians is a difficult document to sign for many people because it specifies your wishes regarding  life-sustaining treatment should be administered, withdrawn or withheld…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Life Or Death Decisions Are Never Easy

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy…