Many people are using the legal system to deprive others of their life’s work. Millions and millions of new lawsuits are filed every year. As you can imagine, many are frivolous or settled for large amounts of money. Business owners, property owners, and professionals such as accountants, lawyers, dentists, and doctors are often a target....

As a love one’s health changes, some of the most difficult decisions for caregivers involve residential care transitions. Families are often surprised when elderly loved ones end up on wait lists after applying for residence in long-term care facilities. What are these wait lists? How do they work in Connecticut? What do families need to...

When parents have always been passionate about exercising their right to vote, adult children don’t think twice about helping them get to the polls. But when advancing dementia diminishes mental capacity, should seniors continue to vote? Who decides if people with dementia have the capacity to vote? How is that assessment made? And where is...

What happens when elderly parents tell one child that they want their end of life to be handled one way, yet a sibling wants to do something else? What happens in blended family situations when there is a second (or third) spouse and kids from one or more previous marriages involved? I once had two...

If you’re an older adult with a chronic or terminal illness, it is vitally important to tell your children or other loved ones what decisions you would want them to make about your care if you can’t make those decisions yourself. It’s also important to document those decisions in the form of a living will....

The right to love is considered to be an essential human right. But does that right apply to Alzheimer’s patients? Consider the questions: Can people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, people who are often unable to recognize their own children, give their sound consent to sexual activity? If staff members in a long-term care facility …

As we age, our lives change and it’s impossible to know how these changes will affect us until they happen to us (or to the elderly loved ones in our care). Take sex, for instance. In our youth-worshiping culture, older people aren’t seen as sexual beings, yet research shows that many seniors enjoy physical relationships...

If you’re looking ahead to the probate process, I have a book recommendation. Surviving Probate: A Practical Guide for Executors and Trustees explains the basics in 43 short pages. Written by Brad Wiewel, a friend of mine who has an estate planning law practice in Austin, Texas, Surviving Probate: A Practical Guide for Executors and...

Following the shocking death of Prince, folks across the country were equally shocked to learn that the musical genius died without a Will or Trust in place to deal with the distribution of his fortune and valuable music catalogue when he passed away. Dying without a Will in his home state of Minnesota now means...

New approaches to care are giving families more choices than ever before. This article is the second in a three-part series that explores some of the most interesting new developments in long-term care. This week we examine Continuing Care at Home (CCaH) programs. *** Research shows that more than 85 percent of seniors prefer to...

New approaches to care are giving families more choices than ever before. This article is the second in a three-part series that explores some of the most interesting new developments in long-term care. This week we examine Green House Communities. *** Green House communities represent another model for long-term senior care that prioritizes person-directed care...

While my training and education make me an elder law professional, I find that term to be limiting. My goal has always been to be an authority on successful aging. One of the ways I do that is by constantly scanning the horizon in search of new approaches that might work well for my clients....

National Healthcare Decisions Day is on April 16th, and it’s an important reminder for every adult to begin having difficult conversations with loved ones about their most private wishes for medical and end-of-life care. Far too many people assume that their families would make the choices they would want in an emergency. Yet every day...

Many grandparents wish to leave a legacy behind for their grandchildren; however, they may run into some issues if those children are underage. A Milford Wills and Trusts attorney can help you determine what the best options are for leaving assets to underage beneficiaries, whether those assets are held in a Will or Trust, financial...

A previous post looked at some of the most common business entities that a Milford business planning lawyer will recommend for clients. From the simplicity of a sole proprietorship to the complexity of an S corporation, that piece shared some advantages and disadvantages of each entity when it comes to implementation, accountability, and taxation. With...

When making an estate plan and Last Will and Testament, many people have a difficult time deciding who should be the Executor of their estate. Oftentimes they will consider naming Co-Executors – two or more people who serve as executor of the estate. Each Co-Executor named in your Last Will and Testament will have authority...

The cost of assisted living facilities continue to rise for seniors and their families, leaving them struggling to make sure their loved ones are receiving the care they need and deserve. While it seems like sometimes there is just no relief from these rising costs, Milford elder law attorneys often advise their clients about tax...

Whenever there’s more than one adult child involved in the care of an elderly parent, the potential for disagreement exists. In most cases, siblings are able to put aside their differences and work together. But in a small number of cases—about 1 percent overall—family members have no interest in reaching accord. One adult child thinks...

Many people refer to our older years in life as the “Golden Years,” and in many ways they are because we have the time to do what we have always wanted to do. While this freedom and independence is wonderful, we must find ways to balance this with our safety. By taking some minor precautions,...

In general, Americans are very uncomfortable talking about end-of-life issues. It can be hard for people to think about (and plan for) their own death, let alone the death of their loved ones. I get it. Yet, by not discussing these issues, you are leaving your future caregivers (most often your adult children) in an...

It’s become more and more common now to see clients come in with probate cases that need to be dealt with in multiple states. Many seniors today are “snow birds,” meaning they spend their winters in states with warmer climates while keeping their actual residency in the state they’ve spent most of their lives in....

Estate planning lawyers in Milford are most often considered by folks who are wanting to put their end-of-life affairs in order. The attorney helps them to draw up important documents such as powers of attorney and medical directives, as well as to develop a plan for how an individual’s property will be distributed upon his...

I don’t always behave the way people expect me to. When I meet with new clients, most expect me to say that they should start putting together their estate plan right away. My response is always the same. “Tell me when you’re going to die or become incapacitated and we can work backwards from there,”...

Have you put off creating an estate plan because you believe that you have to make provisions for everything that could possibly happen between now and the end of your life? Have you been procrastinating because you think an estate plan is a document you create just once? If either of these statements sounds familiar,...

Should you involve your children in the estate planning process? If so, how much do you tell them? When do you tell them? Is it possible to tell them too much too soon? What happens if you tell them too little too late? In my decades of work with families, I’ve found that there’s a...

It’s the middle of February, and we find ourselves in the midst of yet another cold Connecticut winter! Although the season is very festive, and nothing is more beautiful than the look of a pristine snow cover, the winter months can be a challenge for seniors. As we get older, this challenge becomes particularly difficult,...

As our parents age, we often find that the parent/child roles reverse as aging, long-term illness and disability increase their dependence on us, their children. When do the children have to start acting as parents? And what happens if we fail to do so? It’s a common quandary for adult children. It’s hard to watch...

Modern medicine has progressed so rapidly that people are living to much older ages than ever before. Although this is a blessing, allowing people to have more time with their loved ones – it also leads to issues which were not as prevalent years ago. One of these is dementia, which increases in incidence with...

As our loved ones get older, it often becomes very difficult for them to stay at home safely. There are many different options of where they can live, but even after finding the right facility, we want to make sure their transition into it is smooth and they get the most out of their stay...

As our loved ones grow older, it is an increasing concern of how to balance their independence with their safety. This concern is often increased with the loss of a spouse, and it may become very difficult to keep our loved ones in their own home while still maintaining their safety. There are many choices...

An unexpectedly common problem that Milford estate planning lawyers encounter is how the proceeds of an estate are handled when the beneficiary gets divorced. We don’t want to think of our children dealing with the pain of a divorce, but losing the inheritance you left behind would certainly pour salt in the wound. That’s why...

The Supreme Court’s landmark decision regarding same-sex marriage brings with it many issues that are probably best discussed with a good marriage and estate lawyer in Milford. Because of the previous inability to legally marry, many of those now looking to walk down the aisle are considerably older than typical newlyweds. This leads to additional...

One of the most complex aspects of a Connecticut Wills and Trust lawyer’s job is making sure that a Trust is properly funded. While the attorney will be able to do much of the work on behalf of the client, there are a number of documents that are needed in order to transfer assets into...

Inheriting an IRA can be a financial blessing but you have to be extremely careful about withdrawing the funds. There are a number of mistakes you can make that can result in a missed opportunity for tax-deferred growth, or worse, a huge tax bill. Luckily, surviving spouses have some leeway. It’s still tricky to transfer...

As you work with a Trust attorney in Milford, you will likely end up making a list of your assets. Some of these are tangible, such as property and heirloom jewelry. Others are not so obvious and could include important documents related to marital status or military service. Each of these items is an important...

The short answer is: it depends. This is a question we get a lot, and one we typically discuss at length with non-married parents during our planning sessions.  When one of the parties of a divorce decree dies, this will end the custody agreement because there’s no longer anything to govern. In most cases, custody...

When setting up an estate plan, most people are concerned with what will happen to their belongings: money, jewelry, house, etc. But little thought is ever given to what will happen to their debts when they pass away, notably their mortgage. For years, many people expected to pay off their mortgage long before they died,...

Let’s start off by saying that not all conservatorships are bad. Conservatorships play a vital role in Milford by giving caretakers the means to make financial (Conservator of the Estate) and health (Conservator of the Person) related decisions for those who are no longer able and have no one else to speak for them. Unfortunately,...

Wills and Trusts administration lawyers in Milford often have the opportunity to work with local families who—in addition to planning for their regular home—also have a vacation home to take into consideration during the planning process. While you might think that real estate prices or the vacation home’s location would be the driving forces behind...

The IRS just announced the 2016 federal estate tax rate limits, which are $5.45 million for individuals and $10.9 million for married couples. This means that wealthy Americans will be able to leave up to $10.9 million to their heirs without being subject to federal estate tax rates, which top out at 40%. In addition,...

Contrary to what some believe, Milford estate planning attorneys aren’t here just for the wealthiest members of our community. In fact, after years of experience we come to see how nearly every person in Milford can benefit from putting together an estate plan, including a Will. While you may not feel that you have a...

As an individual puts together his or her estate plan, there is a need to really think about how it will be administered. Wills and Trusts administration can be a complex process in Connecticut, although having an estate plan in place is without a doubt one of the best ways to simplify it. Another way...

One of the more difficult topics that Milford elder lawyers and their clients must discuss is the potential need for nursing home care. However, talking about it and knowing the options is actually one of the things that can make life easier down the road. With the help of a good elder lawyer in Milford,...

Wills and Trusts lawyers in Milford handle so much more than just the creation of legal documents. One of the most important parts of the job is educating and guiding clients through their options, which often depend on the client’s unique financial and family needs. To that end, today’s article is a basic introduction to...

Probate lawyers in Milford are charged with helping their clients take estates through the probate process. Those who have lost loved ones and are now dealing with the courts usually feel completely out of their element. Whether by choice or necessity, these individuals become the executor of the estate. A probate lawyer helps to educate...

Milford guardianship lawyers put a lot of effort into helping clients prepare for all kinds of possibilities. From the “perfect” retirement plan to setting up Trusts and family foundations, they work to provide strategies for pretty much every stage of life. While estate planning lawyers recommend naming long-term guardians for minor children in case of...

Probate law varies from state to state, but there are several things that you and your Milford probate lawyer can expect to happen during the process.  The following is a simple breakdown of some of the most common aspects of probate law. First of all, probate is the name of the legal process that takes...

OK, that title may be a little misleading, as not every estate planning lawyer in Milford is going to recommend a Revocable Living Trust for every single client. That said, this particular kind of Trust is one that is suggested and discussed a whole lot because of all the things it can do for you...

Estate planning is a pretty big field, with lots to take into consideration with your lawyer. There are complexities and confusion; but at the end of it all, there’s no doubt that coming up with a solid plan is one of the best paths for retirement, saving, what you are able to leave behind, and—of...

When a friend or family member passes away, someone will be named as the executor of that person’s estate.  Because of the length and complexity of the process that follows, it’s usually in everyone’s best interest to hire a skilled Milford probate lawyer.  There are different kinds of probate lawyers, but most executors find themselves...

Putting together a solid estate plan with your Milford Will and Trust lawyer is an important step in protecting the future for you and your family.  In order to make sure that things go the way you’ve planned, it’s a good idea to occasionally double check who you have listed on your IRA beneficiary form. …

There’s a fairly constant drive that Milford estate planning lawyers see in our society to continually acquire assets.  After all, that’s one of the ways we accumulate wealth, which we then ask the estate planning lawyer to help us pass on.  Simply gathering more and more assets isn’t always the best approach to building wealth,...

While it doesn’t happen in real life as often as it does in the movies and on soap operas, Milford Wills and Trusts lawyers do sometimes have to deal with a contested Will.  Wills and Trusts are created in order to ensure that a deceased’s wishes are followed, as well as for the financial benefit...

When working with families dealing with probate on a loved one’s estate, Milford probate lawyers often find themselves answering a variety of questions about how to avoid probate in the future. There are a whole lot of tools at the disposal of a Milford probate attorney when it comes to protecting an estate, and each...

Perhaps one of the best reasons to hire an estate planning attorney in Milford is because of what they can do to help with retirement planning.  Most of us have a kind of fantasy about what our retirement will look like, but a smart Milford estate planning lawyer knows that it takes some hard work...

One of the most common issues that Milford elder law attorneys deal with is how to help clients when it comes to both short-term and long-term care.  Folks are living longer than they ever have before due to advances in both healthcare and technology.  Certainly, this is what people have been hoping would happen for...

When getting a divorce, it seems like there’s no end to the paperwork.  One task that is far too often overlooked by those in Milford is making an appointment with their estate planning lawyer.  Whether you already put together an estate plan with your ex-spouse or you’ve never gotten that far, now is the time...

One of the important things to discuss with your Milford estate planning lawyer is the topic of your IRA.  Because estate planning lawyers work so extensively with these plans, they can usually offer insight into how best to utilize them.  For many people, the IRA will be left to their beneficiaries, and if done right,...

In order to ensure proper use of funds, Milford special needs planning lawyers help their clients choose a trustee.  This person is put in charge of the Special Needs Trust, and instead of providing money directly to the beneficiary (the child with special needs), the trustee will usually pay directly from the trust to service...

One of the most common issues that Milford elder law attorneys deal with is how to help clients when it comes to both short-term and long-term care.  Folks are living longer than they ever have before due to advances in both healthcare and technology.  Certainly, this is what people have been hoping would happen for...

New Haven County probate lawyers have a pretty complex job to do, and it can be even more difficult because of the fact that many people don’t really even know what the probate process is.  This isn’t all that surprising, as by the time a person needs probate, it’s because he or she has passed...

Will and estate lawyers in Milford are charged with a number of tasks when it comes to wealth management, retirement planning, and setting up wills and trusts.  For the most part, clients are concerned with their money and other assets, which makes sense.  After all, no one really wants to pay more taxes than are...

It seems that nearly everyone is interested in the lives of the British royal family, and now estate planning lawyers have theirs piqued, too.  In September, Prince Harry—Princess Diana’s youngest son—turned 30.  With his birthday came access to the rest of his inheritance from his late mother.  It’s not his birthday that is of such...

Will and estate lawyers in Milford are becoming intimately aware of their clients’ financial situations, and it’s just a fact of life that many people have considerable debt.  Whether it is the person setting up an estate plan or one who has inherited from it, there are often questions regarding what happens to that debt. …

Milford estate planning lawyers eat, sleep, and breathe estate planning and see pretty much  every kind of situation unfold.  Clearly, individuals who have taken the time to create a solid estate plan nearly always fare better than those who do not.  Still, there are a whole lot of myths and misunderstandings floating around that stop …

Connecticut business attorneys see again and again how folks underappreciate just what they can do to protect their businesses through estate planning.  After spending years building a solid business, it should almost go without saying that you want to protect what you’ve created.  One way is to work with a business planning attorney to create...

The practice of medicine is a profession fraught with liability. It’s not just medical malpractice claims either – employment related issues (wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and discrimination), careless business partners and employees, and contractual obligations (personal guarantees, leases, business agreements, etc.) add to the increased risk assumed by a physician in private

So, you and your Milford estate planning lawyer have put together a great plan for you. Congratulations! You are ahead of the majority of the population already. Keep in mind, however, that even though the hard part is done, there is some maintenance that you and your attorney will want to do from time to...

Generally, we hear about prenuptial agreements when a celebrity split is splashed across the tabloids.  What you don’t usually hear about are the Milford prenup lawyers who are charged with making sure the stars are covered in the case of a high-profile divorce.  We may not have a lot of famous folks here in Milford,...

For those who love their stepchildren as their own, it may come as a surprise that this bond isn’t enough when it comes to estate planning in Connecticut.  Because of the laws of inheritance, stepchildren do not automatically inherit when a stepparent dies. Let’s say you’re creating your estate plan, and you stipulate that your...

As our lives become increasingly digital, more and more of the assets we accumulate are based in technology or created online. Estate attorneys in Milford have the important job of educating their clients on how to handle “digital assets” in the event of a person’s death or incapacity, and then helping the client document such...

In the previous part of this series, we looked at three of the documents that a Milford estate planning lawyer would most recommend for a new, young professional: Beneficiary Designations Financial Power of Attorney Medical Power of Attorney There are two other must-have documents for the young professional, however. Last Will and Testament Beneficiary Deed...

Part I of a two-part piece looking at the most important estate planning documents for young professionals. Milford estate planning for young professionals?  Perhaps nothing about the word “young” makes you think of the need for estate planning.  The truth is, however, that those folks who have recently graduated from school and into the world...

Trusts lawyers in Milford have the important job of helping their clients create a legacy that is compliant with a number of different laws.  For the most part, these laws will vary from state to state.  Some differences are minor, while others can impact the trust significantly.  Someone who already has established a trust in...

A good Milford estate planning attorney is going to help you take a lot of things into consideration when putting together your plan.  Various factors influence your estate planning after all:  finances, children, age…But what about your gender?  Is estate planning for women different than it is for men? Actually, there are some important things...

Many people visiting their will and estate planning lawyers in Milford are unprepared for the news that their income might change drastically with the death of a spouse.  For example, the spouses of veterans are often surprised to find that VA benefits can end when the veteran passes away.  Unfortunately, this is something that sneaks...

As growing numbers of people in Connecticut are realizing that they can have more of a say in how their estates are used after they have departed, the use of incentive trusts has increased as a result.  Parents especially are directing their trusts lawyers to add guidelines and stipulations that need to be met in...

While married couples are most obviously in need of the services of an estate planning lawyer in Milford, unmarried couples may actually need it more.  It’s a pretty well known fact that when a married spouse passes away, the other will likely inherit a considerable portion of the estate, simply by virtue of the legal...

Thanks to a new law passed in Congress last month, disabled individuals will no longer have to choose between saving a small nest-egg for future care expenses or preserving long-term eligibility for low-income benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Social Security Insurance (SSI). Under the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, individuals with disabilities …

Wills and trusts administration is an interesting aspect of estate planning law, and one that has a really important impact on the beneficiaries of an estate.  Generally speaking, a lawyer in Milford who does wills and trusts administration will offer a variety of services. Administration with a Will When the deceased has left behind a...

Who can get married and who can’t is an issue that estate and tax lawyers in Milford are following closely.  Beyond social and religious meaning, marriage brings with it certain rights and benefits.  A person’s marital status affects so many legal aspects of life, all the way through who will inherit property after death. Tax...

The choice about whether or not to hire a Milford elder lawyer is one that is not to be taken lightly.  Unfortunately, it’s a topic that can cause a lot of anxiety both for the senior and for his or her adult children.  There are multiple reasons that it’s an uncomfortable conversation to have.  Of...

To be fair, a huge part of a Milford estate planning lawyer’s job is to help parents determine how best to take care of their children once they are gone.  In the case of minor children, this might revolve around choosing legal guardians, setting up educational trusts, and making sure there is someone to manage...

Sure, the typical probate lawyer in Shelton might like a surprise birthday party or an unexpected bit of good news, but when it comes to probate, the fewer surprises, the better. One of the main purposes of estate planning, after all, is to detail how an individual would like for things to proceed after his...

We’ve pretty much all heard about “bucket lists,” but that term can take on a little bit of a different meaning when you’re a Stratford estate planning lawyer. We deal with the reality every day that life is fleeting, and it’s our goal to help clients to maximize what they are able to leave behind....

As an elder lawyer in Trumbull with considerable experience, certain questions are asked over and over again. One area that sometimes requires explanation is the difference between conservatorships and powers of attorney. Conservatorships for Elders Conservatorships come into play when an adult experiences some sort of issue that leads to a mental disability. Elder lawyers...

Milford trust lawyers are abuzz following a recent US Supreme Court decision that will have big implications for clients.  The fact that these professionals keep up-to-date on legislation and court decisions that affect their clients is one of the most important reasons not only to hire an estate planning lawyer in the first place, but...

In today’s litigious society, just about everyone needs some level of asset protection planning. Unfortunately, more and more people are using the legal system to deprive others of their life’s work. Whether you’re involved in a car accident, a mistake on the job, a business relationship gone sour, or you simply face unexpected financial difficulties …

You may not need a Milford estate planning lawyer to make a will (although that isn’t a wise decision), but what if you have no will at all? No one wants to think about their future demise, but death will be coming for all of us eventually. Without a will, what will become of your...

The death of beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams was a sad event for many, but those most struggling would be his children.  Williams had an estate plan that was created in a way that worked to protect them from a multitude of issues—including what has been coined “affluenza.”  This term refers to children of...

Of course, any Milford estate planning lawyer’s goal is to satisfy the client; but in the long run, a lot of estate planning is focused on those who are left behind.  In creating an estate plan that disperses your assets in the way you want, you are creating a legacy and supporting your family, friends,...

Milford trust lawyers help all sorts of people deal with the subject no one wants to talk about—what happens after you die. When your loved ones are grieving, it can be hard to devote proper time and energy to the details of your funeral and post-mortem affairs. If you plan some of this in advance,...

Prenuptial lawyers in Trumbull wish that all marriages would stand the test of time. The sad truth, however, is that the majority of marriages really do end in divorce. While no couple should get married anticipating that this will happen, working out some prenuptial details is the best way to protect you and your spouse...

Any estate lawyer in Stratford will tell you that every person needs a will. Sure, the wealthy may have more assets to distribute, but pretty much everyone still needs to have their last wishes laid out in a legal document. Even if it is just to keep the peace within your family, a will is...

Parenting isn’t always easy, and it’s even less so when your child has a disability. We all have dreams of our children reaching full independence, but sometimes, this just isn’t possible. Our children may have needs that go beyond what others require, special needs that demand specific planning in order to make sure that the...

There’s this mistaken notion that estate planning lawyers in Milford often have to confront that the only people who need their services are the very wealthy.  After all, the word “estate” conjures up images of mansions nestled among perfectly-manicured gardens alongside a garage filled with priceless automobiles.  The average American simply doesn’t have an “estate,”...

Will lawyers in Milford are privileged to work with all kinds of families in order to plan for and protect their futures.  There are many tools that can be used to this end.  Probably the most famous of them all is the will.  We’ve all seen the dramatic readings in movies and soap operas.  Aside...

There’s a lot that goes into estate planning, so it’s not a particularly simple process.  That said, there are some simple things you can keep in mind when gearing up to work with your Milford will and trust lawyer. Estate Planning Tip #1:  Make a Will When it comes to estate planning, one of the...

Connecticut estate lawyers are forever advising clients on the importance of powers of attorney.  These documents can be used to name the person in charge of making another’s medical decisions, or even to take care of someone’s finances in his or her stead.  There are a number of great reasons to employ the power of...

Much to the public’s shock and surprise, actor Michael Jace, best known for his role in the ‘The Shield,’ was charged with murder following the untimely death of his wife in May. According to reports, Jace called 911 on himself after allegedly shooting his wife in front of his small children. Besides the obvious trauma...