Who Holds Your Will and Other Estate Planning Documents?

December 19, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Wills & Trusts

Once you've taken the step to create a will and get your estate plan in order, you need to figure out what to do with the will itself. Keeping track of the location of your current will – as well...

Estate Planning Checklist: 5 Initial Steps You Can Take

December 12, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Wills & Trusts

Most of us spend little time thinking about death or losing the capacity to manage our own affairs. These are unpleasant topics and banishing them from our minds is easier than entertaining them. Death, however, is inevitable, and becoming incapacitated...

An Elder Care Lawyer Can Help You Get Medicaid Home Care

December 5, 2024
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

The over-65 crowd is growing dramatically. Millions of Baby Boomers are transitioning into older adulthood and are living longer than previous generations. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, the U.S. population over the age of 65 is expected to...

10 Do’s and 1 Don’t for the Trustee of a Trust

November 21, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Whether it feels like an honor or a burden (or both), you may have been appointed to serve as the trustee of a trust. What sort of responsibilities do you face in this role, and what can you do to...

I Don’t Need SSI or Medicaid. Why Get a Special Needs Trust?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that typically provides cash stipends to people who have paid into the Social Security system and who can't work because of a disability. (In some cases, it is possible to receive...

Planning for Cognitive Impairment and Preventing Elder Abuse

As we age, it is not uncommon to experience some level of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline can range from mild impairment to more severe conditions such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Who Needs a Trust Instead of a Will?

October 28, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Creating an estate plan can protect your loved ones and establish your legacy. With an estate plan, you can provide for your loved ones after your death, transferring to them such assets as your home, vehicle, bank accounts, and personal...

Funding a Special Needs Trust With a Structured Settlement

If you win a personal injury lawsuit, you may receive your award in a lump sum or as a structured settlement. With a structured settlement, you will receive payments over time; you may opt for a substantial initial amount, with lesser...

A black and gold pen sits on top of a document near the signature line

What Is a Trustee in Estate Planning?

October 10, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

A trustee is a person or institution appointed to manage a trust on behalf of the beneficiaries of the trust. Being a trustee is a significant responsibility. Those serving in this role must always act in the best interests of...

Glasses, black pen and calculator sit on top of paperwork titled Estate Planning

11 Reasons You Need to Create an Estate Plan

October 3, 2024
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Many people believe estate plans are only for extremely wealthy families who are looking to reap tax benefits. Or they may delay estate planning because they are young. Others do not understand why an estate plan is important in the...