Gostanian Law Group Legal Blog
What happens if an estate plan is lost or hidden?
Going through the steps of creating an estate plan can be complicated, but once you have your documents in place, you and your loved ones can breathe a sigh of relief. Planning documents preserve your wishes and give critical guidance to family in difficult times....
Planning your legacy around complicated people
Your estate plan should reflect your wishes. However, you must consider how to tailor your plans to fit the needs and capabilities of the people in your life. For instance, even the best-laid plans can be thwarted if complicated relationships or individuals are...
What makes elderly people vulnerable to financial abuse?
Anyone can be the victim of financial abuse. However, older adults are particularly vulnerable to acts of financial exploitation. In some cases, this may be due to the cognitive decline that comes along with older age. However, other factors may also play a...
Modernizing your estate plan can prevent future disputes
After creating your estate plan, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have protected your wishes. However, if you completed your plan several years ago, it may be wise to revisit the matter to ensure your plan still represents your present-day needs....
Don’t let creativity in your estate plan create problems
Your estate plan is a valuable tool that should align with your beliefs and reflect your wishes. And as such, a person should be able to design their plan accordingly. However, utilizing creative solutions and taking non-traditional approaches to these matters could...
Understanding elder financial abuse by a family member
It is a tragic reality that the elderly are targets for financial abuse. Victims can be isolated or lonely, and they may suffer from mental incapacity or memory loss, which can make them especially vulnerable to abusers. Unfortunately, the person abusing or exploiting...
Is it time to consider conservatorship for a loved one?
Watching a loved one's mental and physical health deteriorate can be a painful, upsetting experience. It can also create a host of concerns that you may not have experience navigating. For instance, as an adult, you might never have considered what would happen if...
5 signs probate could be painful after a parent passes away
Losing a parent can be upsetting for children of any age. Even if you only saw your parent on major holidays or had a complicated relationship, a parental loss can take a profound toll in many ways. This toll can be especially notable when it comes to probate and the...
What you leave behind when you don’t leave a will
People often think about estate planning in the context of how it can benefit themselves. However, you are not the only person affected by a plan. It can also help beneficiaries, care providers, charitable organizations and future generations. Thus, if you have people...
The importance of reviewing your beneficiary designations
When reviewing your estate plan, you will likely focus on making sure your will or trust’s provisions are current. Yet, you will also want to check the beneficiary designations on any payable on death (POD) bank accounts or life insurance policies you hold. And you...
