Blog of an estate planning and elder law attorney
Estate Planning INSIGHTS
Petcare Power of Attorney
The LifeCounsel® Petcare Power of Attorney™ is a Maine power of attorney form specifically limited and adapted to cover any animals you may own. It’s available for free download. Download it, print it, fill out a few details, and sign it before a notary. Then if you are away, or have an unexpected absence from home, you have already given someone the authority to retrieve your pets, feed them, and get them vet care if needed.
How Labor Made Our Country Better, and How the Better Stuck
Thanks to all those who labor...It’s time to reinstate the honor and dignity of labor in our national consciousness.What Does Labor Day Mean for Your Family?It’s time to reinstate the honor and dignity of labor in our national consciousness. I am proud that my...
Can I Get Help with My MaineCare Application
MaineCare can be a good option for paying for nursing home care. Learn what is involved with doing the application the right way.
Ten Things You Should Know About How to Make a Will
Ten Things You Should Know About How to Make Your Will Most people want to know what the top ten things you should know about how to make your will so they can plan their estate. For instance, what are your spouses rights? Can you amend your will? Do you need...
Estate Planning Options for Retirement Accounts
Estate Planning Options for Retirement Accounts Learn Your Options
Can People with Disabilities Have Assets Without Being Disqualified for Mainecare or SSI?
The funds of a person with a disability are used to fund or establish a first party supplemental needs trust. The federal law, and Maine law allows these trusts.
Four Reasons Your Will May Be Contested in Court
Considering the time and expense, will contests are something you’ll want to avoid at all costs. Not only would it jeopardize your final wishes but it also causes unnecessary and painful conflict among your loved ones during an already emotionally trying time.
How to Probate a Will in Maine
Probate checklist, with forms and online filing instructions. Avoid being liable for the debts of the estate when you Probate a will in Maine. Probate lawyer explains some of the tips and traps for the unwary.
Don’t Risk it: Protect Your Finances From Coronavirus Complications
As the coronavirus continues to expand across the country, thousands of Americans are unable to carry out normal financial responsibilities because they are too ill, or they are stuck abroad and unable to travel home, or from a lack of resources due to being isolated at home.
3 Tips for Retirement Account or IRA Protection After the SECURE Act
The SECURE act has changed your retirement account forever. What should you do? Find out before there is a problem
What is Estate Planning? Or How to Get a Great Estate Plan Without Having to Learn How to Build and Fly a Commercial Jetliner
Good estate planning protects assets and prevents family conflict. But did you know you could get a great plan without becoming a lawyer yourself?
Patients Accessing Health Services Virtually During COVID-19
Through the use of videoconferencing over wireless devices and remote health tech monitoring, telehealth can connect patients to vital health care services.
Choosing a Lawyer Making a Will
Choosing a Lawyer and Making a Will
Estate Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has created the scramble to set up wills and end-of-life-directives.
Changes in Retirement Planning Trends
In France, proposals to raise the retirement age are met with street protests. Yet around the world, the retirement age is creeping up; in the United States, it is moving up from 65 to 67.
COVID-19 UPDATE
Penbay Estate Planning is Open During COVID-19.
The Impact of Coronavirus on Seniors
We are living in confusing and scary times. The senior population has been identified as the most at-risk demographic for COVID-19.
The Consequences of Adding a Child’s Name to Your Bank Account
Although it can be useful to have another party available to keep track of bills when you’re sick or away, adding a child’s name to a bank account may be more of a hassle than it’s worth.
Asset Protection for Federal Employee TSP Thrift Savings Plan
Federal retirees can protect their Thrift Savings Plan for their surviving spouse…
The Baby Boomer Generation in the 2020s
The guiding forces behind baby boomer life in the 2020s are high expectations during a much longer retirement, more investment choices but less investment safety, and rising interest rates.