Aging can be hard on both the body and the mind. People begin to lose their flexibility and strength. They become more susceptible to illnesses. In some cases, they also begin to experience cognitive decline, which could involve issues such as memory loss or frequent bouts of confusion. If your loved one has physical or mental symptoms that worry you, that could be a warning sign that they will not be able to live on Read More

Many Georgians are adult children of aging parents. It is natural for a son or daughter to want to help mom and/or dad set up a long-term care plan. Estate planning often addresses long-term care issues and can include a financial power of attorney. An aging parent who is showing signs of mental decline may reach a point where he or she is unable to act independently regarding medical or financial decisions. This is Read More

In Georgia and across the country, the U.S. population is aging. If you’re age 65 or older, you may find yourself focusing more on long-term care planning than you used to at a younger age. As time passes, it is understandable that you want to make sure your estate plan is organized and up to date, that you have discussed your wishes, needs and goals with your  loved ones, and are building a network of support that Read More

Having a child or grandchild with special needs means that you have to plan for their future in a way that most parents never do. In many cases, you can anticipate that the special needs individual in your family will outlive you, which means they will have a need for financial resources long after you’re gone. Instead of despairing over this issue, you can start planning now to provide a good quality of life and a Read More

Georgia estate owners who wish to set aside property for their loved ones, but who also wish to help family members avoid probate, may wish to explore options that can help them achieve both goals. Setting up a living trust is a common means for managing property while keeping taxes low. However, merely setting up a trust is not enough; in fact, it is no good at all if property or assets are never transferred to Read More

Any Georgia parent who has six children likely understands that sibling rivalries are not uncommon in life. However, most parents hope their kids will be friends as well as siblings. As parents age, disagreements can arise between brothers and sisters that cause serious, sometimes even permanent rifts. Such is the case for six siblings in another state who disagreed about a situation involving their father’s Read More

Many Georgia residents are waiting until they are older to get married, perhaps age 40, 50 or beyond. There are many reasons people say they’re choosing to wait to get married until later in life. Getting married at age 55 is definitely different than getting married at age 25. The older spouses are, the more critical it is for them to discuss estate planning as they transition into married life. Someone who marries Read More

Many families worry about providing support for a family member with a disability without disqualifying them from government assistance. This is particularly concerning for those who have some assets to sustain them but cannot afford the care and treatment they need without some government benefits. Without some careful planning, many people with disabilities find themselves without care and living necessities Read More

The creation of a special needs trust is one of the simplest and most secure methods for family members to provide for someone they love who struggles with a physical or developmental disability. As the name implies, a special needs trust benefits an individual with unique and special needs. Family members can put many different restrictions on the assets held in a special needs trust. These restrictions allow them Read More

When adult children in Georgia join forces to help an aging parent, differences of opinion can get in the way of quality care. Sibling rivalry often works its way into elder care issues, especially regarding whether a legal guardian might be needed in a particular situation. Three siblings in another state are currently involved in a legal battle over such issues. Two sisters and one brother disagree about their Read More