Creating a living will ensures your future health care decisions and plans are respected. A living will is a legal document outlining medical treatment preferences and end-of-life care if you can’t communicate or make decisions for yourself.

A death doula, or end-of-life doula, is a person who serves as a companion for a dying person and typically assists their loved ones in providing comprehensive and supportive care.

With the arrival of the new year, revisions to the annual gift tax and estate tax exclusions will be going into effect, as recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service.

Not talking to your adult children about their inheritance comes at a cost. Do what you can to manage expectations for adult children as they forge their financial plans. Knowing their general inheritance situation can change their decision-making process and lead to better outcomes.

Even if your children get along well, the distribution of your assets can require conflict resolution skills. Without previously experiencing any significant conflicts, even close siblings can struggle to maintain happy family relationships when settling your estate.

Most older adults acknowledge that estate planning is essential. Yet, nearly half of Americans age 55 or older do not have a will. Even fewer have designated powers of attorney, a living will, or health care directives. 

You might be tempted to download a free power of attorney form when looking for estate planning services online. But will that be enough to ensure the document is legally recognized?

Four in 10 people believe they do not have enough assets to make a will, according to a new survey. This statistic reflects a common misconception about estate planning: that it is only for the wealthy.

Professional estate planning considers eventual probate and estate administration to avoid common problems. However, should disputes arise, an experienced litigator can protect and guide you in probate court.

Many executors don’t understand the probate process and leave the tasks to the lawyer. While the executor has a fiduciary duty to protect the heirs’ interests, does the lawyer? It depends on your state.

Owners of high-net-worth estates typically monitor and amend their estate plans regularly. They understand that the responsibility of financial stewardship will ensure continued wealth for many generations.

Storing important documents in digital form provides convenient copies that can be accessed by trusted individuals involved in your estate planning. They will also need access to online accounts in emergencies.

AARP reports that Baby Boomers are the generation with the highest divorce rates. Divorce among older adults in the United States has been on the rise since 1990. By 2019, 36 percent of divorces involved people 50 and older.

When a loved one passes away, it’s important to get a death certificate. This document is necessary to handle the financial and legal affairs of the deceased person.

Nearly one-third of young adults don’t have a budget, which creates a huge stumbling block for financial success. Give your children the tools they need to control their money instead of wondering where it went.

In general, the probate process moves quickly if the estate has minimal assets and little debt. Larger estates can take anywhere from nine months to a few years, especially with problematic family dynamics.

What would happen if you became seriously ill or injured and were no longer able to make your health care decisions? A living will can outline your wishes so your loved ones can make informed decisions about your care in an emergency.

When making a will, you’ll work with an estate planner to designate those who will inherit from you. The persons (or entities, such as a charity) you choose are the beneficiaries of your will.

Estate planning for blended families is key to a smooth inheritance process, especially since probate rules and intestate succession law do not treat step and biological children the same when it comes to inheriting.

More and more elders are choosing to pass on their wealth to heirs while they’re still alive. The growing popularity of “giving while living” comes as good fortune for the many young people who are currently unable to afford a home.

Trusts can offer many benefits, including allowing assets to pass directly to beneficiaries and charitable organizations without going through probate, minimizing taxes, and protecting your legacy from creditors.

Life insurance can be an integral and important part of a well-drafted estate plan. There are numerous benefits to owning a life insurance policy aside from providing a large sum of money to beneficiaries.

Conservators and guardians are appointed in court to make decisions about health care or finances for adults who are incapacitated. A durable power of attorney lets you choose a trusted decision-maker for the future.

If you’ve created a business, you know that success doesn’t happen overnight. But do you know what will happen to your business if something unexpected impacts you or when you decide to step away?

Avoid making these common mistakes that can rapidly affect your inheritance and future plans.

Sound estate planning can make the probate process run efficiently and smoothly, protecting your estate’s value and legacy and preserving your family’s well-being. An attorney can help mitigate the risks.

After much anticipation, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have issued final regulations relating to the 10-year required minimum distribution (RMD) rule for people who inherit individual retirement account (IRA) assets.

For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and financial welfare is essential.

An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be a challenging journey for the person and family alike. When the diagnosis occurs, a ticking clock begins on the timeline for getting proper and sound notarizations done for crucial legal documents.

An Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis can be a challenging journey for the person and family alike. When the diagnosis occurs, a ticking clock begins on the timeline for getting proper and sound notarizations done for crucial legal documents.

A part of long-term care planning can include finding the right nursing home facility for yourself or your loved one. When you are searching for the right nursing home, you may find yourself sifting through piles of paperwork, and in that mountain of documents can be an arbitration agreement.

Although death benefits are available to veterans, as well as their families and veterans who did not engage in combat, less than half of those who are eligible for death benefits use them.

Ten percent of adults 65 and older experience elder abuse each year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Elder abuse happens when a caregiver or another trusted individual causes physical, mental, or financial harm to an older adult by an act or omission.

Each fall, Medicare advertising intensifies as the open enrollment period for coverage takes place. From October 15 to December 7, seniors nationwide have the option to sign up for a new Medicare plan. With dozens of plan choices available, shopping for Medicare can be overwhelming. 

Recently proposed legislation seeks to offer financial relief for unpaid family caregivers. The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2023 is the result of a bipartisan effort to lessen the costs of family caregiving.

VA disability payments are one of the most common entitlements veterans overlook. However, they are often one of the most essential to their well-being.

Each year, 10 percent of older adults experience some form of abuse. In addition to physical harm, elder abuse can also encompass financial exploitation, neglect, and emotional abuse. WalletHub has evaluated elder abuse protections in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

If you are a homeowner who is falling behind on your real estate taxes, you may end up facing foreclosure on your property. Because your property taxes hinge on the value of your property, you may find your taxes rising beyond what you can afford.

To qualify for Medicaid, you must have limited income and assets (in most states, no more than $2,000 in your name). If you have more than that, you may find yourself having to “spend down” your extra assets to meet the $2,000 limit.