What If the Coronavirus Leaves Me Critically Ill?

July 18, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

With some cases of COVID-19, patients are dying in isolation. The sorrowful stories are a grim but important reminder: if you haven't formalized your final wishes, you likely would not have the opportunity to do so from your hospital bed.

What’s the Problem with Actor Jeremy Renner’s Trust for His Daughter?

July 17, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The in-court fights between Hawkeye actor Jeremy Renner and his ex-wife Sonni Pacheco have not slowed, despite current world events.

What You Need to Know about Drafting Your Will

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

If you pass away with no will, a state court may decide who gets your assets and — if you have children — who will care for them.

Why You Need an Advance Directive Right Now

July 15, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

COVID-19 is quickly becoming the leading cause of death in the United States. As of today, Indiana has over 37,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 2,100 deaths. That is why articulating your wishes regarding end-of-life health care, is more important than ever.

What are the Most Important Items in an Estate Plan During the Pandemic?

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

Estate planning is the process of arranging, while you are alive, what will happen to your estate, your children and your wealth after you die.

How Does an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust Work?

This type of trust can be established to benefit your spouse, children, grandchildren and other descendants. However, it may be more appropriate in some situations than others. Getting to know the details of what an IDGT is and how it works can help you decide if it makes sense for you.

Some States are Lowering Taxes to Entice Retirees to Relocate

July 9, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning

Maryland is known as the Free State, reflecting its tradition of political freedom and religious tolerance, along with its resistance to Prohibition. Talk to retirees, though, and they’ll tell you the nickname is a misnomer, at least as far as taxes are concerned.

Five Top Reasons to Add Beneficiaries to Investment Accounts

July 8, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Losing a loved one isn’t just an emotional burden—it also carries an administrative load. There are flower arrangements to pick, eulogies to write and a stream of paperwork to sort through.

How Can You Disinherit Someone and Be Sure it Sticks?

July 3, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Parents may delay creating an elder law estate plan, because of the in-law issue. Some parents are unfortunately estranged from an adult child, only because of the problematic son-in-law or daughter-in-law.

Using Retirement Funds in a Financial Crisis

July 2, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Life Insurance

U.S. has been making it easier for people to access long-term savings for emergencies, trading future financial security to stay afloat.