If you ask the average person what elder law is and why it’s important to them, the chances are that you’ll receive an answer that depends largely on how old that person is. Most young people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about elder law issues even though these issues can apply to people other than the elderly. There are a number of elder law issues that everyone should be aware of … read more
Doctors Choose Advance Directives More Often Than Their Patients
Anyone who has thought about creating an estate plan in Greensboro, North Carolina has probably considered creating a living will or other type of advance medical directive. Living wills are very different than last wills and testaments, and address your medical wishes not your property choices. Yet only about 20% of the general population has taken the required steps to create medical … read more
Annette Funicello Passes at 70
For many a young man growing up in the postwar baby boomer era, Annette Funicello was the epitome of the girl next door. Her rise to stardom in the 50s and 60s made her a household name, and though she had faded from the celebrity spotlight decades ago, word of her death earlier this month at the age of 70 touched millions around the country. When she joined the original “Mickey Mouse … read more
What You Need to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Right Now
None of us are getting any younger, and for children of elderly parents there are some specific questions you need to ask your parents before it is too late. Talking to your parents about these issues is often very difficult, so you may want to think about how to bring up this discussion in advance and in a way that isn’t too confrontational or accusative. Here’s what you need to talk … read more
The Right Retirement Home For You (Or a Family Member)
When it comes to selecting a retirement home, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Even if you already know the type of elder care facility you want, such as a nursing home or independent living center, you will still have to decide on a specific facility. Here are some tips you can use to make that important decision. Make Two Lists Whether you want to stay in the area or … read more
April is for Autism Awareness
April is autism awareness month, something that’s important not only for people affected by this disease, but also for those who have little or no experience with it. It’s estimated that autism affects one out of every 88 children in the United States. While parents with autistic children should develop a special needs plan as soon as possible, everyone can benefit by taking some time to … read more
How Do I Find Out About An Estate?
For many people, the first time they hear about probate court is after a close family member dies and the estate makes its way through the probate process. For these people, as well as for people who may even have some experience with the probate process, the court system can often feel as if it’s a bureaucratic nightmare. But fear not, for the world of probate is so inscrutable if you … read more
Commonly Asked Questions About Testamentary Trusts
Question 1: What is a testamentary trust? A testamentary trust is one commonly used form of trust, so-named because you create it through the terms of your last will and testament. Unlike a living trust, a testamentary trust is created after you die. Question 2: How do I create a testamentary trust? In order to create a testamentary trust, you will have to provide key … read more
Powers of Attorney Come in Many Shapes and Sizes
As part of any good estate plan you’ll likely create one or more powers of attorney. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these powerful legal documents before you create them so that you have a better understanding of what they do and why they are so useful. Authority Anytime you create a power of attorney you give your ability to make choices to someone else. This allows … read more
Pregnant in Greensboro? You Need to Start Thinking About Estate Planning
With everything else that comes after learning that you’re pregnant, it’s easy for most women to forget about estate planning concerns. The fact is, most people don’t develop an estate plan at all, much less after they learned they are pregnant. Yet there are some decidedly important concerns you need to address if you’re pregnant, as well as if you’ve already given birth. Appoint the … read more
