What Are the New Rules for Veterans’ Benefits?

Under the new rules, veterans will be given three options for their benefits appeals. All three are designed to streamline the complicated existing process for cases, which can languish for years as new evidence and arguments are introduced throughout the timeline.

Being an Adult Means You Need an Estate Plan

Although we typically associate the term “estate” with the ultra-wealthy, estate planning is not just for the rich. Everyone, regardless of family dynamics or financial status, can benefit from having an estate plan—a collection of documents that specify how you want your assets distributed.

Planning for the Sad Truth of Growing Old Together

March 7, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

If you're part of a married couple, it's highly likely that one of you will become a widow or widower at some point.

Why You Should Have an Advance Directive like Power of Attorney

Advance directives come up frequently in conversations about health care decision-making, as people age. Their purpose is to provide written instructions for medical care, in instances where a patient is unable to communicate them herself.

Own Guns? Don’t Leave Your Heirs This Problem

Most gun owners are cognizant of the strict regulations concerning ownership of a firearm. However, their family members and heirs are often unaware of the laws governing the disposition of a firearm, when the gun owner dies

Being Forward-Thinking About Assisted Living to Avoid a Crisis

When all is well, it’s difficult to convince mom, dad, a partner or other loved one to plan for the future. The alternative is much worse, because it means facing decisions during a crisis.

This is the Year to Complete Your Estate Plan!

February 28, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney

If You Haven’t Started Your Estate Plan, Now is The Time.

How Do We Live Our Lives When A Loved One Has Alzheimer’s?

February 27, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney

The case of restaurateur and lifestyle guru B. Smith, who is battling Alzheimer’s, is drawing scrutiny from her fans and strangers alike, many of whom are dismayed by her husband’s decision to date a woman he calls his "life partner" and keep a room for her in the house he shares with Smith.

Does Anyone Really Need a Trust?

The simplest definition of a trust is a three-party fiduciary relationship between the person who created the trust and the fiduciary for the benefit of a third party. The person who created the trust is known as the “Settlor” or “Trustor.” The fiduciary, known as the “Trustee,” is the person or organization with the authority…

Will Stepmother Take Dad’s Money When He Dies?

Now that just a third of American households are “traditional” (heterosexual, married, with children), estate planners and advisors need to raise new questions with their clients and offer new solutions.