ARTICLES

Senior citizens are admired for their wisdom, but long lives can also be associated with grief because they outlive their families, friends, and sometimes even their children. If they can’t maintain and make new meaningful connections as they age, they are at risk for crippling loneliness.

The major disqualifiers for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) should be reviewed before submitting an application. Eligible individuals can benefit from both programs though they have distinct differences.

One of life's most emotionally draining experiences is losing a close relative. In addition to the emotional burden, one is also responsible for handling the deceased's estate. This part can be especially overwhelming.

You may be wondering what estate planning and elder law entail and how they differ as you begin planning for your future, both financially and in terms of health care needs. Even though these two types of law are for different stages in life, they are often handled at the same time.

It is common for an aging parent to lose the ability to think clearly and make informed and meaningful decisions about their life as they age. This growing inability may occur due to Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, mental illness, stroke, brain injury, or other severe health or disability conditions.

A person electing you to be the executor of their estate believed that you would be trustworthy to handle their assets and affairs after their death. Even though the decedent nominated you to be their executor, you will still need to be appointed to that role by their local probate court.

Financial insecurity is a major concern for many US seniors due to current inflationary pressures. The anxiety many Americans feel living on a fixed income is reduced by looking to government programs to potentially qualify for assistance.

Elder law and estate planning are often used interchangeably; however, there are significant differences between them. While some overlap exists between the two, learning and implementing strategies from both law practice types is crucial to prepare for successful aging and preserve a family legacy.

It is obvious and right to divide assets equally among children in a variety of situations. However, in some families, the same inheritance for all children may not be appropriate, can deplete the estate's assets due to litigation, or cause other family problems.

Properly drafted wills address who receives your assets and properties after your death when they are properly filled out. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution, your executor makes a public notice of your death, files your final taxes, and records your will in probate court.