Making sure that assets are distributed as intended is the primary motivation for most people to create an estate plan. That same estate plan, however, can provide a variety of additional benefits to you and your family. One important benefit of creating a comprehensive estate plan is that it can dramatically decrease the likelihood of disputes, both while you are alive and after you are gone. To explain, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft help you understand how … [Read more...] about How Can Estate Planning Help Avoid Disputes?
Blog
Why Do Estate Plans Fail?
Creating an estate plan is important; however, making sure that the plan you create works as intended is equally important. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of estate plans fail. Moreover, about 70 percent of estate settlements are followed by asset losses or a reduction in family harmony, according to the 2007 book Estate Planning for the Post-Transition Period by Roy Williams and Vic Preisser. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain why estate plans often … [Read more...] about Why Do Estate Plans Fail?
How to Prepare for the Possibility That You Will Need Long-Term Care
Although you probably hope to spend your final years in the comfort of your own home, the reality is that the longer you live, the better your odds are of needing long-term care. To help you plan for that reality, the Indianapolis Medicaid planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain how you can prepare for the possibility that you will need long-term care. Evaluate your health. Although most people cannot predict the need for long-term care (LTC), evaluating the state of your health … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for the Possibility That You Will Need Long-Term Care
Understanding the Disadvantages of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) 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 help you understand the disadvantages of DIY estate … [Read more...] about Understanding the Disadvantages of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
You may have listened to well-meaning friends and family members tell you how important it is to have an estate plan in place; however, unless you truly understand what an estate plan can do for you, it’s hard to find the motivation to get started on your plan. The good news is that a well-thought-out estate plan can accomplish a wide range of inter-related goals. A better understanding of how an estate plan can protect you, your assets, and your loved ones during your lifetime and beyond … [Read more...] about Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Indiana Intestate Succession
You have undoubtedly been told by well-meaning friends and family member how important it is to execute a Last Will and Testament. Unless you understand why that is so important, however, you may lack sufficient motivation to get started on your Will. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what happens to your estate using the Indiana intestate succession laws. Last Will and Testament Basics A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that allows the … [Read more...] about Indiana Intestate Succession
Reviewing Your Estate Plan for LGBT History Month
Every year in October, the LGBT community and its supporters celebrate LGBT History Month. If you will be among those who are celebrating the importance of LGBT history this October, this is also a great time to focus on your estate plan. LGBT History Month reminds us that while great strides have been made in the fight for equality, protecting yourself, your assets, and your loved ones through comprehensive estate planning remains essential. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at … [Read more...] about Reviewing Your Estate Plan for LGBT History Month
How to Find the Right Caregiver for a Parent
Despite the fact that we ourselves age, we expect that our parents will forever remain middle-aged. If a parent starts to show signs of physical and/or mental deterioration that often goes along with the natural aging process, we are forced to address the reality that they are aging. If that is where you are with your parent, it may be time to find a caregiver for your parent. If so, an Indianapolis elder law attorney at Frank & Kraft offers suggestions for how to find the right caregiver … [Read more...] about How to Find the Right Caregiver for a Parent
What You Need to Know about Elder Financial Exploitation
As the population of older Americans continues to increase dramatically. Unfortunately, that also means that elder abuse is also a growing problem. One type of elder abuse that is often underreported is elder financial exploitation. Predators take advantage of the fact that it is an uncomfortable topic of conversation. To help prevent you or a loved one from becoming a victim, the Indianapolis elder law attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss what you need to know about financial … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about Elder Financial Exploitation
Using a Letter of Instruction to Supplement Your Estate Plan
Creating a comprehensive estate plan is typically a complex process. When done correctly, it is also a process that never really ends. Instead, your estate plan should evolve over time and grow along with your family and your estate. As your plan evolves, you will likely find the need to include additional estate planning tools and strategies that help you accomplish additional goals and fulfill the needs of your growing family. Despite the abundant tools available to help you with your estate … [Read more...] about Using a Letter of Instruction to Supplement Your Estate Plan
