In your estate planning, you’ve likely heard the phrases executor and power of attorney. You may be wondering what each of these terms means, and whether or not someone named as your executor can also be named power of attorney. What Is an Executor? An executor is someone chosen to carry out the conditions set out in your will. This individual is often a family member or trusted friend that you think can handle the responsibility and can stay organized through the process. Your executor will be responsible for making sure any debts that remain after your death are…
Elder law attorneys serve as advocates for elderly or disabled clients and their families, providing counsel on a wide range of topics including health care, guardianship, and estate planning. Though it may seem that elder law attorneys are meant to handle extreme or unusual cases, everyone can benefit from the services of an elder law attorney. Here are four things an elder law attorney can do for you: Estate Planning Making sure your affairs are in order is essential, and having an experienced elder law attorney to guide you through the process makes everything easier. Because there are strict guidelines…
David Wingate, founder of the Elder Law Office of David Wingate, traveled to San Diego, CA, from March 10-11, 2017, to meet with forty other leading elder law attorneys and key staff from across the nation. Through discussions, strategic visioning, and personal goal setting, the attorneys explored professional practice development, employee development, and personal development. Guest speakers included David Kolbe from Kolbe Corp who discussed running a law practice, and Barbara McDermott, founder of the SHIFT Formula, who talked about the science of productivity. The group, comprised of attorneys from 17 different states, convened at the Marriott Marquis San Diego…
Attorney, David Wingate, of the Elder Law Office of David Wingate, traveled to Kansas City, MO, in November to meet with other leading elder law attorneys from across the nation. Through roundtable discussion, and seminars, the attorneys explored professional practice development. The group, comprised of attorneys from different states, convened at the Kansas City Marriott Airport Hotel and Convention Center. “This was an intense and grueling meeting schedule, we started Thursday evening, and met until Sunday evening” says David Wingate. According to Wingate, the value of meeting with like-minded elder law professionals is undeniable. “The level of commitment of this…
David Wingate, Elder Law Attorney, travelled to Kansas City, MO, from October 25 -27 to meet with other leading attorneys from across the nation. Through discussions, strategic visioning, and personal goal setting, the attorneys explored professional practice development and expanded client services. According to Wingate, the value of the meeting with like minded attorneys is undeniable. "The level of committment of this group to improved practices and professional development is, in essence, a gift not only to me, but to my clients. We each come away with new insight, fresh idea, and anappreciation for the opportunity we have to serve…
You have worked hard your entire life and have accrued some assets. However, these assets can be at risk if they are not properly protected. There are a number of methods to protect your assets. Therefore, it’s advisable to get expert advice when considering protecting your assets, especially in today’s economy. Here are a few examples of just how you could protect your life’s work: One of the best ways of protecting your assets is by estate planning, through various trusts. Another way to protect your assets is to think about an asset protection plan. There are various provisions in…
As people continue to live longer, seniors are faced with a range of legal topics that younger people typically do not have to deal with. As an Elder law attorney firm we know how specific areas of the law impact our clients and what people can do to protect themselves as they get older. Let’s take a look at some of the most common areas that elder law attorneys deal with. Health Issues As we get older we are more likely to suffer from certain types of medical issues that can affect our ability to make choices. For example, an…
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and requires assistance throughout the day, the spouse and adult children are faced with two choices. First, if you wish to keep that person well cared for in the home; Join the ranks of the 65 million family caregivers in this country and become a full-time caregiver. Or else hire a home-care aide to help with the many tasks throughout the day and night, from bathing and dressing to preparing food and doing housework and laundry. Since each of these options has its own drawbacks, many concerned people, especially those who…
LTCI protects your assets and income from the costs of care, as pays for a caregiver in your home or helps pay for the assisted living facility. The MAPT protects assets, like your home and your life savings, but it does not protect your income (pensions, social security, interest, dividends, etc.). The MAPT has no positive effect in terms of providing care. However, in the event LTCI is unavailable to you for medical or financial reasons, the MAPT is a wonderful tool. With the MAPT in place five years before you go into a nursing home your assets are protected….
They need to plan how to protect their savings and other assets as the cost of their care increases. They need legal strategies to make sure their estate does not get taxed more than it needs to. And they need to appoint a responsible spokesperson to act on their behalf if they become no longer able to do so themselves. While these decisions can certainly be made with the help of friends, books and Internet forms, it’s also a good idea to consider talking with an eldercare attorney. An eldercare attorney listens to you and your wishes, and helps you…