There are more than 5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Projections by the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) are that by 2050 more than 14 million Americans will suffer from this disease. What can you do if you are medically diagnosed with Alzheimer’s? Aside from following the advice of your medical doctor a critical step in your overall estate plan is an Advance Health Care Directive to ensure your future wishes are met when you are no longer able to think or communicate clearly because of your disease progression. Having an Advance Health Care Directive that accurately and legally reflects your health care wishes and a Durable Power of Attorney for financial purposes allows you to focus on enjoying your life knowing you are doing all that you can to address your future circumstances.



Read more...

A conservator is appointed by the court to care for and protect a person who is deemed unable to care for themselves. Among the conservator’s responsibilities are managing the conservatee’s health and wellbeing as well as preserving their assets. While most people’s lifestyles and fortunes are decidedly different from Ms. Spear’s, the problems she had are a cautionary tale for all of us who do not name a durable power of attorney for financial matters and an Advance Health Care Directive. In the absence of these legal documents reflecting your wishes should you become incapacitated, family members must petition a court to appoint a conservator to manage your well-being in the event you are incapacitated. Yet, as in Britney Spear’s case, some who are under the direction of a conservatorship have no desire to be there.

Read more...

Have you considered what is required to preserve generational wealth and your legacy? Or the impact an inheritance will have on family members in different stages of life after you are gone?

You may worry that children and grandchildren will lose motivation and work ethic after they inherit. Some beneficiaries may experience favoritism, or relationships could dissolve over trivial disputes. How can you ensure their inheritance contributes to generational wealth and is used to achieve a better future?

Your loved ones must be ready for this new responsibility. Ideally, an inheritance will improve their lives while ensuring its use follows your wishes and values. Their wealth is intended to support family initiatives and possibly extend to their communities. Below are three tips to ensure your legacy is protected and you are prepared to preserve generational wealth.

Read more...