Blog
Qualifying for Veteran’s Benefits
If you have attempted to navigate the numerous state and federal medical insurance programs, you have quickly realized that the bureaucratic systems can be quite confusing. Working with an experienced elder law attorney at Astill Law Office can save you stress, time and money. In fact, we may be able to assist you in discovering…
What is the “Reading” of a Will?
Many movies portray the reading of a Last Will and Testament as a dramatic event that the entire family attends. Although the reading of wills occurred in earlier times when copying legal documents was costly and there was widespread illiteracy, today dramatic will readings are left only for the movies or television shows. For most…
QTIP Trusts
In today’s world of “blended families,” estate planning has gotten more complex. If you have had more than one marriage with children from the prior marriage(s), you are likely concerned with ensuring that your biological children will inherit from you. It is a valid concern because you might be surprised at how often a surviving…
Protecting Assets in a Trust During a Dispute
When there is a dispute regarding the management of the trust, it often begins because the objecting party does not have sufficient information to determine the true value of the trust and/or if trust assets are being depleted. In this situation, it is imperative that you take steps to ensure the trust assets are being…
Credit Shelter Trusts – Not Only for the Wealthy!
If you are interested in taking advantage of state and federal estate tax exemptions, a credit shelter trust may be a good option to consider. Most people associate this type of trust with millionaires, but there are several reasons to use this type of estate planning even if you have more modest means. In 2015,…
Affairs to Handle after a Loved One Dies
Hopefully you have read our blog titled “Initial Steps to Follow when a Loved One Dies” that discusses the initial steps you must take when a loved one dies. Below is a more detailed checklist of issues that should be addressed after the funeral: Estate plan. If you haven’t already done so, you should confer…
Initial Steps to Follow when a Loved One Dies
When a loved one dies, it can leave you wondering where to turn to next. Not only are you dealing with your grief, but you must also step-up and manage the deceased’s affairs. Before you get overwhelmed with the numerous tasks you must tackle, below is a short checklist of the initial issues you must…
Divorce & Revising Your Estate Plan
When you get a divorce (or legally separate from your spouse), it impacts every part of your life. Divorce constitutes a major life event, which means that you should review and revise your estate plan. Below are a few of the areas of your estate plan that you should consider updating after your divorce has…
Is Estate Planning Easier for Singles?
It seems most things in life are more difficult if you are single and having to handle everything on your own. However, when it comes to estate planning, singles may have it easier. Creating an estate plan means making numerous important financial decisions. When you are single, you don’t have to confer with anyone else…
Elder Abuse – It Occurs in a Variety of Ways
If you have a family member or other loved one that is in their “golden years,” the most important thing you can do is to be involved in their life. Although you don’t want to believe elder abuse could happen to your loved one, the truth is that seniors are extremely vulnerable to being taken…