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4 Things to Do Before Estate Planning for Your Blended Family

Apr 7, 2014

It's important to update your estate plan as soon as possible after a divorce or remarriage in order to avoid future conflicts about assets. Unfortunately, many people don't take the time to update important documents after a divorce or remarriage. Having a blended family can create a unique legal situation when it comes to wills, estates, and beneficiaries. An experienced attorney can guide you through the steps needed to update your estate planning roadmap. Here are four important pieces of information to help you understand all the intricacies of estate planning

Financial Fraud: Why the Elderly Are Targets

Mar 28, 2014

One in five people over the age of fifty admits to being a victim of a major fraud according to a study done for the AARP. As technology advances, the harder it is keep up with proper online security and safety measures. Senior citizens are more vulnerable than ever to being preyed upon by con artists hoping to relieve them of their hard earned assets. The technology gap is only made worse by increased complexity of new computers and handheld devices. Tip: When approaching the

Estate Planning for Blended Families: Why You Should Care

Mar 15, 2014

Planning for the future is important for everyone, regardless of age, health, or financial status. You never know when it will be your time to go and you want to make sure that your loved ones will be taken care of after your passing. However, the growth of nontraditional families with divorces, multiple marriages, and stepchildren – or “blended families” – have made the estate planning process even more complicated. If you’re struggling with the legal issues of planning for your parents’ or your own

Signs You May Need a Texas Probate Lawyer

Feb 20, 2014

Probate is the court process used to determine the validity of a will and oversee the payment of creditors and distribution of estate assets. The process begins with the appointed executor coming forth with the deceased person’s original will. If an original will cannot be produced, additional evidence will be required. If there is no will or copy, the court will appoint an administrator, either a direct family member or, if necessary, a neutral third party. The administrator has almost the same rights and responsibilities

Autism and Divorce

Feb 13, 2014

While there is little empirical evidence connecting autism in children to the divorce of the child's parents, it is without saying that the situation is stressful. Even without the factor of special needs added, divorce is a long and tedious process. Of course one of the main things you'll think of when the word divorce comes up in conversation is lawyers and legal proceedings, and possibly even countless arguments. Also, you'll start thinking about the emotional effects the divorce will have on your children. But

Dealing With Aging Parents: A 3-Step Plan

Feb 7, 2014

As we merge from the holiday season, no what holiday you celebrate, the one element we all have in common is family. And our families are aging. According to the Department of Health & Human Services Administration on Aging, by 2030 people over the age of 65 will represent 19% of the population. The conversation about caring for aging parents, grandparents and loved ones usually starts at a holiday gathering. When else are families all going to be together to whisper concerns about how mom’s

Guardianship vs Power of Attorney: What’s the Difference?

Jan 20, 2014

In elder law, some of the most commonly used terms among attorneys can be hard to understand for a client. Two of those terms are guardianship and power of attorney. Although similar, the two are very different in a court of law. If you're looking to start the elder care process, you should be sure to know what exactly you are needing to protect the care of your loved ones. What is Guardianship? Guardianship is a legal proceeding/relationship in court in which that court will appoint

Top Tips for Estate Planning in 2014

Jan 14, 2014

As the New Year begins it brings along New Year’s resolutions. Whether you challenge yourself to diet, learn an instrument or save money, your resolution is a goal for a better future. Estate planning is a New Year’s resolution that is practical and necessary. Estate planning is usually not thought of until it is too late, but making it a New Year’s resolution will leave you planned, prepared and ready. Tips for Estate planning Gather and organize your assets Write down a list of all

Advance Directives and Power of Attorney

Dec 17, 2013

Many people worry about what could happen to them if they suffered a medical emergency or became incapacitated. Luckily, most states recognize the need to plan for future incapacity with planning tools referred to as advance directives. Advance Directives Advance directives can include durable powers of attorney for financial matters or health care, and "do not hospitalize" or "do not resuscitate" orders. With these tools, people can direct one or more persons to make certain health care and financial decisions in the event of their

Caring for Elderly Family Members

Dec 17, 2013

As seniors grow older, symptoms of physical and mental disability may arise. These disabilities often deprive people of the cognitive skills needed to make sound decisions and the physical abilities to care for themselves on a daily basis. Elder law clients frequently turn to their families to provide the day-to-day assistance they no longer can provide for themselves. Caring for the Elderly While some older adults require nursing home care or move to an assisted living facility, the Administration on Aging notes that family members,