Do Seniors with Dementia Show Signs of Financial ‘Symptoms’ Years before a Diagnosis?

December 21, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A new study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors found that Medicare beneficiaries who go on to be diagnosed with dementia are more likely to miss payments on bills, as early as six years before a clinical diagnosis.

Is Probate Required If There Is a Surviving Spouse?

December 19, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A common misconception is that you do not have to probate a will when your spouse dies.

What Happens If You Fail to Submit a Change of Beneficiary Form?

December 18, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The financial institution is obligated to distribute the CD to the person or entities that otherwise would be entitled to receive it.

Do You Know Your Job as Executor, Agent or Trustee?

December 17, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Has a family member or close friend asked you to serve as their executor, trustee or power of attorney? If you accepted the responsibility, do you know what this entails? Have you been given a copy of the documents you were named under? Do you know when you would begin serving in these roles? These are all important questions to ask or consider.

Should a Husband and Wife have Separate Trusts?

December 16, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

In situations where both spouses want the surviving spouse to inherit all the assets, which is often the case, a joint trust can be far less complicated to set up and maintain than separate trusts, with less headaches for the surviving spouse.

How Do I Plan for a Loved One with Special Needs?

December 15, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship

It is critical that parents and grandparents give careful thought to any gift of money or bequest in an estate plan, when the recipient has special needs.

How Does Probate affect Real Estate Transactions?

December 14, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Is it better to transfer the title of the home to us, or to leave it as it is given her age and go through probate?

How Should I Go about Researching Assisted Living Facilities?

December 12, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

Your aging mom is finding it harder to do the laundry or cook dinner. Dad is more forgetful, and he really shouldn’t be raking the leaves out in the front yard anymore. The time is coming when your parents are going to need help with daily living. That means you need to start looking for the right place for them to live.

How Do You Stop Family Fights Over an Inheritance?

December 11, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

After a loved one passes, one of the biggest hurdles families face is passing wealth onto the next generation. Unfortunately, family dynamics can spur conflict and infighting among descendants.

Britney Spears’ Conservatorship Battle with Father Continues

December 10, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney

James Spears has been her co-conservator since 2008, when the singer suffered a very public breakdown.