Category: Estate Planning

The Power of Ethical Wills and Legacy Planning

In the realm of estate planning and passing on one’s legacy, there exists a unique and profound tradition known as legacy letters or ethical wills. Unlike legal documents that distribute assets, these heartfelt letters are designed to pass down a different kind of wealth—the wealth of wisdom, life lessons, and personal stories. In this article,… Continued

The Sandwich Generation: Caring for Aging Parents

The term “sandwich generation” refers to a growing demographic of individuals who find themselves squeezed between the responsibilities of caring for their aging parents and raising their own children. This dual caregiving role presents a unique set of challenges, both emotionally and financially. In this article, we will explore the complexities of being a part… Continued

Estate Planning as Part of a Long Term Care Plan

More than 70% of seniors will require some type of long term care.  It may surprise you, or your family members, to realize that long term care is typically not covered by Medicare and often not considered as part of a basic estate plan.  With these costs averaging $10,000/mo in Maryland, it can quickly diminish… Continued

Getting Engaged or Married? Estate Planning for New Couples

Getting engaged or married is a time of great excitement and joy, but it is also a time when couples need to start thinking about their future together. One of the most important things that they should consider is estate planning for new couples. Estate planning involves making arrangements for the distribution of assets in… Continued

The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself or DIY Wills

With everything available at the click of a button, many people think that downloading a Do-It Yourself or DIY will is an effective way to get a will in place.  The biggest mistake many consumers make is to utilize services like LegalZoom or other platforms and think they “have everything covered.”  But, the state you… Continued

The Three Most Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make the biggest estate planning mistake by not, first, sitting down to make a will or estate plan. Others rely on templates or on-line wills to guide these important decisions that affect you and your family.  As Forbes Magazine notes, even celebrities such as Prince, Whitney Houston and Steve McNair did not update… Continued

Starting the Estate Planning Conversation During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time of togetherness and reflection, making it an ideal opportunity to broach important topics like estate planning, wills, and creating a lasting legacy. These discussions not only ensure that your family’s financial future is secure but also foster understanding, strengthen bonds, and preserve cherished memories. In this article, we will… Continued

Planning as an Elder Orphan

When we age, we depend more on children, spouses, other family members, friends, and others in our communities to help us with various projects, chores, and problems. For older people that do not have a large network of family members and others who they can turn to, simple outings such as visiting a doctor, picking… Continued

Why Parents of College Students Need Powers of Attorney

If you are preparing to send your child off to college, you may have a flurry of preparations. From dorm room essentials to class schedules, the checklist can seem endless. However, there’s one crucial item that parents often overlook amidst the excitement and flurry: will you be able to make important decisions for your college… Continued

Signs That Your Parent May Need a Guardianship

As your parents get older, you may realize that they are more forgetful.  This can manifest itself in subtle ways at first, such as forgetting to close the garage door, repeating stories, or not knowing what day of the week it is.  These memory lapses may intensify over the years, and what begins as “senior… Continued