Elder Law

While most people are aware that parents have a legal responsibility to support their minor children, few people realize that some states, including Indiana, have laws that impose a legal responsibility on adult children to support their parents under certain circumstances.  These laws, commonly referred to as “filial support” laws or “filial responsibility” laws, have existed in various forms for many years and are designed to prevent indigent parents from being left without essential … [Read more...] about Understanding Indiana Filial Support Laws

Across the United States, tens of millions of individuals provide care for aging parents, spouses, children, or close friends without receiving compensation. You may view this role as a natural extension of your relationship with a loved one, but caregiving often evolves into a demanding responsibility that affects nearly every aspect of your life. In Indiana, as in many other states, unpaid caregivers form the backbone of long-term care, frequently stepping in where formal systems fall short. … [Read more...] about Tips for Unpaid Caregivers in Indiana

Financial exploitation continues to be the most frequently reported form of elder abuse in the United States, according to federal enforcement agencies, and specialists in aging issues believe many incidents never reach authorities. Identity theft ranks among the most harmful types of exploitation and tends to affect older adults at a disproportionate rate. You may not always see the warning signs until significant damage has occurred. To help you protect your elderly loved ones, the … [Read more...] about Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation in Indiana

Most people grow older with the quiet assumption that their parents will remain steady and self-sufficient. When changes in health, memory, or daily functioning begin to surface, that assumption is challenged. Recognizing that a parent may need assistance is emotionally difficult, but it is often an essential step toward protecting their safety, dignity, and quality of life. When that moment arrives, careful planning and informed decision-making can make the process far less overwhelming. Toward … [Read more...] about How to Find the Right Caregiver for Your Parent

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis often reshapes life with little warning. The realization that cognitive abilities will decline over time can generate fear, uncertainty, and emotional strain for both the individual and loved ones. While processing these emotions is an important part of the journey, it is equally important to address the practical matters that protect health, autonomy, and financial stability. Early preparation offers clarity, preserves dignity, and ensures that personal wishes guide … [Read more...] about Steps to Take Following an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis in Indiana

Planning in advance for your own funeral and burial is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your loved ones. When no plan exists, family members are left to make difficult decisions during a period of intense grief and disagreements can arise regarding how the service should be handled or how your final wishes should be interpreted. Worse still, your family may find themselves struggling to come up with the funds to pay for your burial within days of your passing. While prepaid … [Read more...] about Why Prepaid Funeral Plans May Not Be the Best Option in Indiana

Across the country, tens of millions of people provide regular care for an aging or disabled family member. In fact, experts believe that unpaid caregivers in the United States contribute over $600 billion in care annually. If you are one of the many individuals in Indiana helping an elderly parent, grandparent, or other loved ones with day-to-day needs, you are likely sacrificing more than just time. Family caregiving can take a toll on your own physical health, emotional well-being, career, … [Read more...] about How Family Caregivers in Indiana Can Get Financial Help

It can be difficult to consider a future in which you are no longer able to manage your own affairs. As you grow older, though, the possibility of cognitive decline or serious illness becomes more likely. If you lose the ability to make financial or medical decisions and have not prepared in advance, your loved ones may be forced to go to court and ask for guardianship over you. This legal process can be expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally difficult for everyone involved. Fortunately, … [Read more...] about Can I Take Steps Now to Avoid Guardianship in Indiana?

Watching a parent grow older and losing the ability to make decisions independently can be emotionally challenging. When siblings do not see eye to eye on how to handle a parent’s medical care, those challenges can be amplified. Disagreements can quickly escalate when adult children hold differing opinions on what is best for a parent who is no longer able to advocate for themselves. When that happens, it becomes necessary to explore both practical and legal steps for resolving these conflicts. … [Read more...] about Navigating Disagreements Over a Parent’s Medical Care in Indiana

Experiencing a disability that hinders your ability to work can profoundly affect your financial stability and overall well-being. In the United States, two primary federal programs offer financial assistance to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Although both programs aim to support disabled individuals, they have distinct eligibility criteria and benefits. The Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft ​explain … [Read more...] about What You Should Know about SSDI and SSI