Why Is Estate Planning more Complicated with a ‘Gray Divorce’?

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

Rising divorce rates among Americans over the age of 50 are causing more conflict in estate planning, new data shows. According to a recent survey by TD Wealth, up to 40% of financial planners say that rising gray divorce rates are leading to an increase in family strife with estate planning as the top conflict.

Do I Need a Revocable Living Trust?

April 9, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Do you ever worry about how your beneficiaries will manage their portion of their inheritance when you pass away? One solution that allows you to still exert some control over your money–even after passing–is with a revocable living trust (RLT).

Coronavirus News Should Make You Think about Estate Planning

April 2, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Nobody likes to think about their own mortality, and that's why so many people go without basic estate planning documents. Often, an event like the coronavirus can be the kick in the pants you need to get your affairs in order.

The Second Most Powerful Estate Planning Document: Power of Attorney

April 1, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A power of attorney, similar to a last will and testament, is a powerful document that must be created before it becomes necessary.

C19 UPDATE: If You Have Not Yet Named Someone with Medical Power of Attorney, Do It Now

March 27, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to have your legal, financial and medical ducks in a row. Sadly, when serious illness strikes it is usually quite rapid and often unexpected. In these times, however, we do have forewarning that we are all at risk of contracting COVID-19, the coronavirus.

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.

What Is So Important About Powers Of Attorney?

A power of attorney names a person who can act on your behalf. This person is called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” Before you create a power of attorney, you should know your options and which ones your home state allows.

Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

February 21, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The number of unmarried couples who live together reached 18 million in 2016, a 29% jump from 14 million in 2007. Among adults age 50 and older, the increase was 75%: About four million were cohabiting in 2016, up from 2.3 million in 2007.

When Do I Need an Elder Law Attorney?

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

Elder law issues can be complex. One wrong word or move can mean the difference between a good result and disaster should you become incapacitated or if other unexpected issues should occur in your senior years. An elder law attorney can help you plan for what will happen, if you should become mentally or physically incapable of taking care of yourself and your own personal business matters.

Five Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

January 31, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning

Five of the most common mistakes are easy to avoid with the right information and support, as well as a little creativity.