Powers of attorney are a wonderful tool in the hands of a trustworthy person. But because it comes with a tremendous responsibility, it can also be a dangerous tool in the hands of the wrong person. Learn all you can before choosing your power of attorney. We have had too…
If you are caring for a child with special needs, you know it is unlike any other journey. Whether you are new to this journey or travelling a well-worn path, you can take charge of the things that are within your reach. Here are some important steps you can take…
Sibling relationships can be fraught even in the best of times. Under the stress and strain of dealing with the needs of aging parents, they can deteriorate swiftly and dramatically. It’s a common issue faced by families from all walks of life. But it can be easier to manage if…
By Carmine Perri When it comes to litigation over one’s estate, very little, if anything, is more contentious than the dispute over a loved one’s personal property. Oftentimes, it is not the monetary value but rather the sentimental value that fuels this contention. When thinking about this issue, I refer…
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a…
In your estate plan, you leave behind financial wealth and possessions, but the most valuable items you can pass on are those that cannot be measured. That’s why you should consider writing an ethical Will. What is an ethical Will? An ethical Will is a great way to reinforce, to those…
Serving as trustee for a special needs trust demands time and skill. Time to work with professionals who provide counsel, and time to make critical decisions that could impact a beneficiary’s quality of life and financial security. So what’s involved and who should you choose as trustee? First, it’s important…
Under the most ideal of circumstances, discussions about end-of-life care decisions are difficult, uncomfortable and often thought of as a talk better suited for a later time. But as unsettling as it is, if now is not the time to have a plan in place about your health care wishes,…
A woman recently came to us very upset because her deceased husband’s estate will not all go to her – a certain amount will go to his parents. That’s the rule in Connecticut. That’s right. When you die without a Last Will and Testament in place, you’re giving the state permission…
The Importance of Advance Healthcare Directives in a Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has not only brought the world to a standstill. It has brought us face to face with our own mortality. The news headlines are filled with daily stories about the tragic loss of life and those stories make…