How a Living Trust Protects Your Finances During Incapacity
Takeaways A revocable living trust can do more than avoid probate court: It can keep your finances running smoothly if you become incapacitated (unable to
9 FAQs for Agents Under a Power of Attorney
Takeaways As an agent under a power of attorney, you are a fiduciary and must act in the principal’s best interest. Your authority comes from
I’m Being Excluded From the Probate Process. What Do I Do?
Takeaways If you are a rightful heir or beneficiary and are being excluded from the probate process, you have legal recourse, but you must act
Seven Ways to Distribute Your Personal Property Fairly
Takeaways Personal items such as furniture or jewelry can’t be easily divided equally, often making their distribution the hardest part of settling an estate. It’s
Why Estate Planning Is the Answer to Economic Uncertainty
Takeaways With the current economy defined by uncertainty, many people hold off on financial decisions, sparking what some call the “hidden crisis” in the U.S.
Medical Aid-in-Dying and Estate Planning
Takeaways More than a quarter of Americans live where medical aid-in-dying (MAID) is legal. Choosing MAID requires strict adherence to legal rules, and failing to
Do Surviving Spouses Have Rights to a 401(k) or an IRA?
Takeaways Whether a surviving spouse automatically inherits a retirement account depends on its legal structure. Employer plans like 401(k)s generally default to the spouse due
New SNAP Work Requirements Will Now Affect More Older Adults
Takeaways New federal rules, passed in July 2025, change who must meet work requirements to keep getting SNAP (food stamp) benefits. The age range for
How Medicare Beneficiaries Can Fight a Hospital Discharge
Takeaways Medicare patients have the right to appeal a hospital discharge decision. They must be informed of this right shortly after admission and again before
What We Know So Far About the New Medicaid Work Requirements
Takeaways A new federal law passed in 2025 requires most low-income adults (ages 19–64) on Medicaid to start meeting work or community engagement requirements (like