Just about everything you do leaves a digital trail anymore. Moreover, almost everything important to us can be stored in some type of electronic format. What happens to that digital trail and those electronic files when you die? Do you want someone to be able to access them? Conversely, do you want to ensure that no one can access them? Can anyone access those accounts without your permission after your death? A Carmel estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft explains why it is important … [Read more...] about Digital Assets – Are They Included in Your Estate Plan?
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Senior Sexual Abuse — It Happens More Often Than You May Realize
The population of older Americans has increased dramatically in recent years, due in large part to the fact that the Baby Boomer generation is reaching retirement age. With seniors now accounting for such a large segment of the population, issues that concern them have taken on a heightened importance. Sadly, this includes the prevalence of elder abuse in its many forms. While we are paying more attention to abuse and neglect of the elderly, one type of elder abuse remains somewhat of a taboo … [Read more...] about Senior Sexual Abuse — It Happens More Often Than You May Realize
What Are the Powers of the Executor of the Will?
Probate is a legal process that the average person knows very little about unless they have been through the process following the death of a loved one. If the decedent left behind a Last Will and Testament, the person in charge of overseeing the probate of the estate is the person named as Executor in that Will. If you find yourself named as the Executor of an estate, you may wonder what powers you have. To help you better understand what you can, and cannot do, a Carmel probate attorney at … [Read more...] about What Are the Powers of the Executor of the Will?
Veterans Benefits and the Surviving Spouse
If you are the surviving spouse of a veteran, you have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States and everyone living here. While there is nothing that can ever truly compensate you for that sacrifice, there may be some benefits to which you are entitled as a result of your status as a surviving spouse. To give you some idea that those are, an Indianapolis veterans benefits attorney at Frank & Kraft explains what veterans benefits you are entitled to as a surviving spouse. Are You … [Read more...] about Veterans Benefits and the Surviving Spouse
Using a Living Trust to Avoid Leaving a Lump Sum Inheritance
When you create your estate plan you will need to make a number of important decisions. Along with deciding who to gift assets to, you will also need to decide how to gift those assets. For example, an Indianapolis estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft explains how a living trust can help you avoid passing down a lump sum inheritance. What’s Wrong with a Lump Sum Inheritance? Most people hope that the inheritance they leave behind for a loved one serves to help protect and provide … [Read more...] about Using a Living Trust to Avoid Leaving a Lump Sum Inheritance
Who Decides If Someone Is Incapacitated?
You probably don’t like to think about it; however, the reality is that the possibility of becoming incapacitated at some point down the road does exist. Because it is a possibility, it should be addressed in your estate plan to ensure that your wishes are honored in the event you do become incapacitated. It also helps to how incapacity is defined and who decides that someone is incapacitated. To help you plan for the possibility, an Indianapolis incapacity planning attorney at Frank & Kraft … [Read more...] about Who Decides If Someone Is Incapacitated?
If a Beneficiary Dies During Probate What Happens to the Inheritance?
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, … [Read more...] about If a Beneficiary Dies During Probate What Happens to the Inheritance?
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...] about Is Your Power of Attorney Powerless? What to Do When a Third Party Won’t Honor an Agent’s Authority
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 needs … [Read more...] about Are There Different Types of Special Needs Trusts?
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...] about How Much Might I Receive in Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits?
