A recent court case involving a power of attorney demonstrates the problem with using online estate planning forms instead of hiring an attorney who can make sure your documents are tailored to your needs.  

The estate tax gets all the press, but if you are leaving property to a grandchild, there is an additional tax you should know about. The generation-skipping transfer tax affects property passed to a grandchild in a will or trust.

There are a number of different kinds of trusts, but they fall into two basic categories: testamentary and inter vivos.

With the federal estate tax exemption possibly about to be lowered, it may be time to think about steps you can take to keep your estate from being taxed. An irrevocable life insurance trust could be the answer. 

When applying for Medicaid, many people often forget about life insurance. But depending on the type of life insurance and the value of the policy, it can count as an asset. 

For many Medicaid applicants, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are one of their biggest assets. If you do not plan properly, IRAs can count as an available asset and affect Medicaid eligibility.

Pets are members of the family, so it is important to consider how to provide for them in your estate plan just as you would the human family members. 

Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets. Although setting up an irrevocable trust is not as simple as giving a gift, it may be a better way to preserve assets for the future. 

Netflix’s popular new movie, “I Care a Lot,” may be far-fetched in a lot of ways, but it does highlight some real weaknesses in the guardianship system. Fortunately, steps can be taken to avoid the kind of nightmare the film portrays. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued new guidance on whether families can visit loved ones in nursing homes. The guidance allows indoor visitation even when the resident has not been vaccinated.