Recent Blog Posts
How to Protect and Pass On Artwork, Antiques, and Other Valuable Assets
Some assets—such as real property, stocks and savings—are fairly straightforward when it comes to bequeathal to heirs; other assets—such as valuable artwork or antiques—are not so easy. How do you will an asset to a loved one when there is no deed of ownership? And just as importantly, how do these paperless assets figure… Read More »
Which Address Should I Put On Dad’s VA Application?
One of the common reasons that a VA application is denied or that a VA pension is reduced is because of failure for the veteran or widowed spouse to properly communicate with the VA in a timely manner. It is extremely important that all requests for information from the VA are responded to as… Read More »
What to Do When Mom Can No Longer Manage Her Own Money
One of the most difficult aspects of caring for an elderly parent (or helping an aging parent who lives far away) is keeping one step ahead when that parent begins to lose the ability to manage his or her own finances. Many seniors can be very resistant to discussing what they feel is an… Read More »
The Benefits of a Retirement Trust
Most of us start thinking about retirement as soon as we get our first job. Even if we can’t start saving as much as we’d like right away, we know it’s there, looming on the horizon, and we think about it. The closer we get to retirement age the more we begin to consider… Read More »
How Successful CEOs Keep the Family Business in the Family
How long will your family business stay in the family? One generation? Two generations? How about 4 generations down the line? The truth is that very few family business stay in the family beyond the first generation. Statistically, Only 40% of family owned businesses survive to the second generation, 12% to the third, and… Read More »
How Long Will It Take for the VA to Process My Application?
One of the most common questions I get from our clients is how long it will take for the VA to make a decision about their Aid and Attendance Application. I have been told by the VA that their decision process has three phases: The Development Phase (102-139 days): During this phase, the VA… Read More »
One Simple Step Now Can Save Time and Money Later
Being named as the executor of the estate of a deceased loved one comes with many challenges, including dealing with the probate system, and refereeing unhappy family members; but one of the most difficult (and least discussed) challenges is sorting through the plethora of paper and information that people collect over the course of… Read More »
Memories Make Your Legacy About More Than Property Alone
Have you ever wished you could go back in time and know your mother or father as a young person? Have you researched your family history or genealogy and kicked yourself for not asking your grandparents about their knowledge and experiences when you had a chance? Technology has changed so much in the past… Read More »
New Criteria for Alzheimer’s Can Lead to Early Diagnosis, Better Treatment and Planning
Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating illness which affects families all over the country; from the adult child who fears that her father’s recent forgetfulness might be a harbinger of something more sinister, to the elderly gentleman who wonders how he will possible pay for the care his beloved wife requires. Over the years, the… Read More »
What If Mom Can’t Sign Forms from the VA?
Many of our older clients are physically unable to sign their name. The VA does not recognize a power of attorney and so no one but the veteran or surviving spouse can sign VA forms unless the VA has appointed a fiduciary to act on the claimant’s behalf. The family members then wonder what… Read More »