Two Common Special Needs Trust Mistakes Families Make

When managed correctly, a special needs trust (SNT) can help a person with a disability cover certain expenses while keeping their Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Managing an SNT takes knowledge and care. A trustee, who is responsible...

When to Hire a Home Care Service for an Older Adult

February 19, 2026
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

For seniors and their families, hiring a home care service can support independence for the older adult while reducing stress on the family unit. A home carer can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing, preparing meals,...

Avoid Disputes Between Your POA Agent and Health Care Proxy

February 12, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

As people plan for aging, illness, or unexpected disability, two legal tools often come into play: the health care proxy, or medical power of attorney, and the durable power of attorney (DPOA), sometimes referred to as a financial power of...

End-of-Life Care Planning for Individuals With Special Needs

Having conversations about end-of-life care can be challenging, and many people avoid them. According to The Conversation Project, 92 percent of Americans acknowledge the importance of talking over their end-of-life care wishes, but only 32 percent have discussed them. When a...

Execute a Durable Power of Attorney Before It’s Too Late

January 29, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, even more important than a will in many cases. This crucial document allows a person you appoint – your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”...

Should You Pay Off Debts Before Making a Will or Trust?

January 22, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

The Debt vs. Estate Planning Dilemma Many people delay estate planning because they feel weighed down by debt — credit cards, student loans, mortgages, or personal loans. The logic seems simple: I’ll create a will or trust once my finances are...

Annual Gift Tax and Estate Tax Exemptions for 2026

January 15, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the gift tax and estate tax exclusions for tax year 2026. These exclusion amounts are adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living. The following updates become effective January 1,...

Probate Law: A Look Across States

January 8, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

“Probate” is a term often heard in estate planning discussions, but do you really know what it is, how it works, and how to “probate-proof” your estate? Avoiding probate is a common goal — and for good reason. Probate can...

Estate Planning: Funding Your Revocable Living Trust

December 18, 2025
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

A revocable living trust is a valuable estate planning tool. It not only allows you to remain in control of your finances while you are alive and ensures they remain well-managed if you become unable to manage them yourself (known as becoming...

Giving to Grandkids? Consider Gift Tax, 529 Plans, and More

December 11, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

Grandparents often are particularly generous to grandchildren as they see their family’s legacy continuing to the next generation. In many cases, grandparents feel they have ample resources, while their children or grandchildren may be struggling financially. Assistance with summer camp...