Probate can be a complex and complicated process under the best of circumstances and when everything goes as planned. Things don’t always go as planned though. For example, a beneficiary could also pass away during the probate of an estate. An Indianapolis probate attorney at Frank & Kraft explains what happens if a beneficiary dies during the probate of an estate. What Happens During Probate? To understand the impact a beneficiary’s death might have on the probate of an estate, you must … [Read more...]
Is Your Power of Attorney Powerless? What to Do When a Third Party Won’t Honor an Agent’s Authority
A Power of Attorney is one of the most commonly used estate planning documents due in large part to how flexible it can be. Consequently, most people are familiar with what a Power of Attorney does and how to use one. When all goes as planned, a Power of attorney is extremely useful and easy to use; however, what happens when all doesn’t go as planned and your Power of Attorney appears to be powerless? The Carmel estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what to do when a third … [Read more...]
Are There Different Types of Special Needs Trusts?
Estate planning is always important for parents of young children. That same planning takes on a heightened importance when you are the parent (or grandparent) of a child with special needs. In fact, without proper planning, your efforts to provide for your child could actually do more harm than good. One estate planning tool that is often used to provide for a beneficiary with special needs is a special needs trust. To help you better understand your options, an Indianapolis special … [Read more...]
How Much Might I Receive in Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits?
If you are a veteran, or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you likely know about a number of benefits to which you are entitled as a result of your service and dedication to your country. One program you may not be aware of, however, is the Veterans Aid and Attendance (VA&A) program. The Indianapolis veteran benefits attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain how much you might be entitled to receive in VA&A benefits. What Is the Veterans Aid and Attendance Program? The Veteran’s Aid … [Read more...]
Will Millennials Ever See the Wealth of the Baby Boomer Generation?
The older population in the United States is already making history as the largest population of seniors ever recorded. A primary reason for the dramatic increase in the number of older Americans is the aging of the Baby Boomers. As they move into their retirement years, they are breaking records causing everyone to take notice. Not surprisingly, the largest senior population in history also has a historic amount of wealth. Traditionally, experts would expect that wealth to be passed down to … [Read more...]
The Danger in Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
If you do not yet have an estate plan in place, you have probably had to listen to well-meaning friends and family members nagging you about getting started on one. They do mean well, and you do realize you need a plan, so why not just use a few “Do-It-Yourself” forms you find on the internet to get your plan started? Although that may sound like a perfect solution, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain the hidden dangers inherent in DIY estate planning. Why … [Read more...]
Will Medicaid Pay for a Family Caregiver?
Watching a parent, grandparent, or other older relative deteriorate physically and/or mentally can be heart-wrenching. The idea of putting your family member in a long-term care facility may not sit well with you; however, caring for them yourself may not be financially feasible. Will Medicaid pay for a family caregiver? The Carmel Medicaid attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain an Indiana Medicaid program that may allow you to be compensated for caring for a family member. Medicaid Waiver … [Read more...]
What Should I Do If I Don’t Want My Inheritance?
As much as we all try not to admit it, when a loved one passes away we often anticipate receiving some type of inheritance. In fact, conflicts and discord often erupt because of the way in which a decedent chose to dispose of his/her estate. It may surprise you then to find yourself in a position one day where you don’t want an inheritance left to you – but it happens more often than you may realize. Rejecting an inheritance, however, is more complicated than it sounds as the Indianapolis estate … [Read more...]
Are There Alternatives for Managing Property When Someone becomes Incapacitated?
While your primary estate planning goal may be to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death, one of the most important secondary goals of any comprehensive estate plan should be to plan for how your assets will be managed in the event of your incapacity. To help encourage you to plan ahead, a Carmel incapacity planning attorney at Frank & Kraft discusses your options for managing property during incapacity. Incapacity Doesn’t Discriminate When you … [Read more...]
Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation Works to Protect Older Hoosiers
Sadly, elder abuse is a very real problem in the United States. Moreover, as the population of seniors continues to grow, so does the number of elder abuse cases. While physical abuse and neglect are the most well-known types of elder abuse, financial exploitation is actually the most common. In the State of Indiana, residents will be happy to learn that the Secretary of State has formed the Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation, a group that is tasked with protecting seniors against those … [Read more...]
