Image from AdobeStock Dust off the cobwebs of the COVID19 year. It’s time to get back into the game of business or even step up for a new mile marker of achievement. However, it’s not just time to take care of business. It’s time to take care of your estate plan. What is the connection between your business and your estate? How does estate planning protect you as a business owner? Estate planning solutions in Read More
Are Granny Cams Legal?
Two scenarios for electronic monitoring Seniors and Elderly parents exist. One happens when children place hidden cameras in their parents’ own home. Often adult children view cameras as an electronic babysitter in the home. The camera is used as a safety measure or even to prevent elder abuse. The other scenario is monitoring the care of a loved one living in a nursing facility. Electronic surveillance with Read More
Seniors Beware the Scammer
Thief in black clothes on grey background Seniors Beware the Scammer. Many good and caring people live in the world. In times of disasters, and the Pandemic, we saw strangers with big hearts, helping out and going the extra mile for others. We celebrate folks who volunteer their time to help others in need, especially during disasters. We celebrate even small ways acts of kindness such as a person who holds the Read More
Estate Planning and Grey Divorce
We started hearing about grey divorces from the lives of politicians and celebrities. The recent announcement by Bill and Melinda Gates reinforced the trend of people divorcing after the age of 50 years. It’s not only the rich and famous becoming “Silver Splitters;” it’s also the everyday husband and wife calling it quits. This article focuses on how Diamond Divorces affects estate planning. Read More
What is Wealth Management?
This article focuses on advanced estate planning and asset protection for affluent families. Over 65 types of trusts exist in estate planning. Each trust serves a different need or purpose. One type of estate plan may fit for one individual or family; yet may not be the best solution for another. Most are familiar with the terms Last Will and Testament or a Living Trust. Wills and Living Trusts provide a Read More
What is Elder Law?
People often ask the question, “What is Elder Law?” Before diving into the areas of elder law, I have to say that the state of Missouri does not recognize specializations. However, does this mean that a client should not research the attorney who focuses on this practice area of law? Absolutely not! Let’s take a look at what is elder law and why one needs an experienced attorney in the area of elder law. Defining Read More
What Ifs in Estate Planning
Made with Visme Infographic Maker There are the What Ifs to consider for estate planning. What if I have children and die? What if someone wants grandma's wedding ring when I die? What if I have incapacity? The What Ifs exist but aren't always pleasant to think about. Still, it is the what ifs that make it important to put an estate plan in place. Estate Plans for Family Why do you need an estate plan as a Read More
What is a Third-Party Special Needs Trust?
What is a Third-Party Special Needs Trust (SNT)? A Third-Party SNT is an estate planning tool that helps provide a quality of life. Often family members desire a way to provide for a child with a disability. Parents with child who has a disability should consider taking an extra step in estate planning and think about setting up a third-party special needs trust for your child. Why Consider the Third-Party Read More
What Happens to My Child If I Die?
What Happens to My Child If I Die? As a parent, it is difficult to think of someone who can raise our children in our place. Yet, planning for guardianship of a child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. If a parent does not have a parent guardianship plan in place, the State has a plan. How do you make a plan? What is Guardianship? Guardianship of Minors is different than Guardianship of an Read More
Estate Planning Myths
There are times when people seek legal counsel for what they perceive is the easiest or cheapest form of estate planning. I receive calls from older parents who consider just adding children to bank accounts. Myths about Last Wills and Testaments and estate planning exists and needs addressing. MYTH #1 NO NEED FOR A WILL One of the most dangerous misconceptions is the myth that estate planning exists only Read More
