At some point during your “golden years” there is a very good chance that you, or a spouse, will need to qualify for Medicaid in order to cover the high cost of long-term care. The thought of depending on Medicaid may be frightening if you have heard stories about the program that don’t paint a favorable picture. Specifically, you may want to know “ Will the state take my assets when I go on Medicaid? ” The question is a common one; however, the answer is not a simple one. First, it helps to … [Read more...] about Will the State Take My Assets When I Go on Medicaid?
Estate Planning: Getting Started
Estate Planning: Getting Started from Charlie Amen A well thought out estate plan can accomplish a wide variety of goals and objectives by incorporating the right components into the plan. Learn more about Estate Planning in Missouri in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Getting Started
Trusting that Your Trust Is Private – A Lesson from the Estate of Robin Williams
Like millions around the world, you were undoubtedly saddened to hear about the death of acting legend Robin Williams. Know equally well as a comedic actor for parts in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire and The Birdcage as he was as a dramatic actor for films such as Dead Poet’s Society and Good Will Hunting, there is little doubt that Williams will be missed by many. Not long after the news of his death made the airwaves, details of his estate also began to surface. As the famous and infamous know, … [Read more...] about Trusting that Your Trust Is Private – A Lesson from the Estate of Robin Williams
What Happens to My Property If I Die Without A Will or Trust?
The primary goal of an estate plan is to determine what will happen to your property and assets upon your death. In order to understand why it is so important to create an estate plan, it helps to discuss what happens to your property and estate assets if you die without executing a Last Will and Testament or creating a trust prior to your death. A person who dies without a Will or trust in place is said to have died “intestate.” When a person dies intestate, the intestate succession laws of … [Read more...] about What Happens to My Property If I Die Without A Will or Trust?
What Is A Living Will?
Throughout our lifetimes, we make thousands of decisions. Some of those decisions are simple, day to day decisions while others are life-changing decisions. The important thing is that each of us is able to make those decisions when the time comes. There may come a time, however, where you are unable to make some of the most important decisions of your life – or death—because of your incapacity. By creating a living will, or an advance directive, you may still be able to make those decisions or … [Read more...] about What Is A Living Will?
Special Needs Trust in Missouri: Why You Should Create One
If you have a special needs child in your family, you are already aware that caring for that child requires a considerable amount of time and caring. The reality is that it also requires a considerable amount of money. Because you love your family member, you may not wish to focus on the financial costs involved in raising a special needs child, but at some point you must address the issue because you will not always be here to oversee his or her care. A special needs trust in Missouri may be … [Read more...] about Special Needs Trust in Missouri: Why You Should Create One
Should I Execute a Durable Power of Attorney in Missouri?
If you are like most people, you have a general understanding of what a power of attorney is; however, if you are considering executing a durable power of attorney in Missouri you should have a very precise understanding and spend a considerable time thinking about the matter prior to agreeing to sign one. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you (known as the principal) to designate someone as your agent in legal matters. There are a variety of types of powers of attorney. … [Read more...] about Should I Execute a Durable Power of Attorney in Missouri?
How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Missouri?
At some point in your life you may be faced with making the tough decision to seek guardianship over a parent or other elderly relative or loved one. Along with the emotional turmoil caused by deciding to pursue guardianship, there are also a number of practical aspects that must be considered. For example, you may wonder “ How much does guardianship cost in Missouri? ” Because each situation is unique, there is no universal cost that applies to all guardianship petitions. For a detailed … [Read more...] about How Much Does Guardianship Cost in Missouri?
Can You Be the Trustee of My Family Wealth Trust?
A comprehensive estate plan often includes far more than a simple Last Will and Testament. In recent decades, trusts have become a popular addition to even the most simple estate plans. If you are planning to include a family wealth trust in your overall estate plan you will need to make a number of important decisions with regard to the trust, including the choice of a trustee. We are often asked “ Can you be the trustee of my family wealth trust? ” when clients are unsure who to appoint and/or … [Read more...] about Can You Be the Trustee of My Family Wealth Trust?
Where Do I Begin the Estate Process
You are in no position to make any big decisions. You are mourning the loss of a beloved spouse and your heart is heavy. You are very likely at the beginning of the estate process following their passing. Words come more slowly, and you wonder where do I begin? You made it through the funeral or memorial services and are hopefully already contacting the banks and utilities, along with the many other institutions your spouse did business with in their life. Each contact made reminds you of them … [Read more...] about Where Do I Begin the Estate Process
