What is the Difference between Guardianship and Power of Attorney?

March 27, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

With all the media buzz about guardians stealing money from those whom they are meant to protect and overall financial abuse issues involving seniors, it’s a good moment to revisit how surrogate decision-making works.

Estate Planning Is For Everyone

March 26, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Life Insurance, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The most common misconception estate planning attorneys hear, is that someone doesn’t need an estate plan because their client isn’t elderly or on death’s door.

C19 UPDATE: Small Businesses Hurt by COVID-19 May Qualify for SBA Disaster Relief Loans

March 25, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering up to $2 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus, in addition to a resource page detailing eligibility and how to apply.

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne Have an Estate Plan

March 23, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne plan to pass on their significant fortune to future generations of their family.

Can I Appeal More Expensive Medicare Premiums?

March 18, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney

About 4.3 million Medicare beneficiaries are subject to so-called income-related monthly adjustment amounts, due to law changes over the years that have required higher-earners to pay more.

How Does the Death of Prince’s Brother Impact the Late Rock Star’s Estate?

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

The death of Prince’s brother Alfred Jackson, along with his contested will, are raising new questions in the endlessly complicated efforts to settle the legendary musician’s estate, including whether a California man with a reputation for cozying up to celebrities will end up with one-sixth of Prince’s riches.

The Financial Legacy of Walt Disney’s Heirs and the Role of Trusts

March 11, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney

The Walt Disney Company has come a long way since it was founded by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney nearly a century ago. What began as a cartoon studio is now a media powerhouse, complete with amusement parks and properties.

How Bad Can a Do-It-Yourself Estate Plan Be? Very!

March 10, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

One Justice from the Florida Supreme Court commented that the expensive litigation far outweighed any savings resulting from the pre-printed form.

Does My Mom Have to Pay My Dad’s Credit Card Debt after He Dies?

February 28, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

My father recently passed away and we discovered he had a large credit card debt on a card in his name. My mother wasn’t aware of it. All assets are in both of their names. Is my mother liable for the credit card debt?

The High Cost of Medicare Mistakes

February 26, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

She recently enrolled in traditional (Parts A, B, and D) Medicare and was hit with huge Part B and Part D monthly premiums. She had no idea why it was so high. After many letters, calls, and meetings with Social Security, she still had no idea.