What to Do First when Spouse Dies

February 8, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

After a loved one dies, their affairs need to be set in order. You might find yourself planning a funeral, paying bills and closing accounts. The list of things you need to do after someone dies can seem endless, especially during a time when you are also grieving.

How Does Family Pay for Parents’ Care?

January 25, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

More than 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for family members. The majority are women—often, an adult daughter who lives closest to an aging parent starts out helping with daily activities. As the parent/care recipient requires more assistance, the daughter cuts back on work hours– risking her own financial security.

Have Your Parents Planned Carefully for Retirement?

January 22, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

According to Pew Research, roughly 13 percent of self-employed workers in single-person firms reported participating in retirement plans at their current jobs, compared to almost three-quarters of traditional workers.

Who Makes Money from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

January 19, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Roald Dahl has written dozens of childhood classics, from the newly remade The Witches, to The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Roald is now the subject of a new drama on Sky titled Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of The Curious Mouse, which imagines the authors meeting.

What Kind of Estate Planning Do I Need During the Pandemic?

January 18, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a nightmare for many people, and inadequate estate planning can exacerbate the pain.

How Can I Easily Pass My Home to My Only Child?

January 14, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

I am a single retired parent to an adult daughter, who is an only child. The home I currently reside for the last 26 years still has a mortgage and the deed is in my name only. I have a will that states everything is left to my daughter, and then to my grandson, if she proceeds me in death. Should my daughter be added to the deed?

SECURE Act has Changed Special Needs Planning

January 11, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

An applicable multi-beneficiary trust can solve some--but not all--of the challenges that the new act presents.

How Can Estate Planning Address the Troubled Child?

January 9, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration, Special Needs, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trust

Every family has one–or maybe more–black sheep. They’re people who march to their own drum and handing them an inheritance could be problematic.

What Do I Need to Know about Creating a Will?

January 8, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Creating a will is one of the most basic elements of estate planning. There are different types of wills you can choose from, including a simple will.

Will I Get A Bill as My Inheritance?

January 7, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Debts, just like assets, are considered part of a person’s estate. When that person passes away, their estate is responsible for paying any and all remaining debts. The money to pay those debts comes from the asset side of the estate.