Montana Guardianship and Conservatorship: What You Need to Know When Choosing an Attorney in Montana
When someone is unable to make informed decisions due to age, illness, or incapacity, Montana law provides a way to appoint a guardian or conservator to act in their best interests. Understanding guardianship and conservatorship is essential for protecting loved ones, whether it’s an elderly parent, a disabled adult, or a minor child. This article […]
Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney
Introduction to Guardianship and Power of Attorney Guardianship and power of attorney are legal mechanisms that help manage decisions for those who can no longer do so themselves. However, their purposes and applications differ. Guardianship often involves a court-appointed individual making decisions for someone who is incapacitated. In contrast, a power of attorney (POA) […]
Single? Estate Planning Is Still Essential
These days, more people are living single than ever before. In 1970, about one-third of Americans 15 and older were single, according to U.S. census data. Whether never married, divorced, or widowed, single people need to pay just as much attention to their estate planning as married people. Single people face unique estate planning issues that […]
Estate Planning for Veterans: Benefits and Pensions
If you or your spouse served in the United States Armed Forces, there are several pension benefits that you may be eligible for. It is important to be aware of what these benefits are so that you can take full advantage of them when they become necessary. The first is called a Veterans Pension. This benefit […]
Family Values and History Are Still the Best Inheritance
If you are concerned that fluctuating housing and investment markets, rising medical costs, and longer-than-expected lifetimes are reducing your children’s inheritance, you need not be. According to a popular study, family values, traditions, and history still mean more than money as an inheritance. These results are from the 2012 Allianz American Legacies Pulse Survey, which surveyed […]
Faith and Values in Estate Planning
For many Americans, passing along religious beliefs and values to the next generation is just as important, if not more so, as passing along financial wealth and tangible assets. Estate planning creates many opportunities to do this. Here is a brief discussion of some of these opportunities: End-of-life care. In a healthcare power of attorney (called […]
Why You Need an Advisory Team for Your Estate Planning
Estate planning is not simply the set of documents your attorney prepares, nor is it the insurance you obtain or the investment strategy recommended by your financial advisor. Done properly, comprehensive estate planning includes legal documents and financial elements, but it may also include more, as the estate planning process often points out the need […]
What Happens to Your Will When You Move?
A properly drafted will that you have executed under the laws of one state will generally be valid under the laws of any other state. Realistically, however, it often becomes problematic when wills cross state lines. Estate planning documents must be updated periodically to account for changes in your life circumstances as well as changes […]
Young Adults Need Estate Planning, Too
Most young adults think they are invincible. But the reality is that anyone can become seriously ill or be injured in an accident or a random act of violence at any time. Far too many of us know the tragedy of a promising young life that was abruptly cut short. Once a child turns eighteen, […]
Estate Planning for Unmarried Partners
Estate planning involves creating a set of instructions that specify how you want your property handled after your death as well as how you want your property and healthcare decisions handled during any period you may be incapacitated. Proper estate planning is important for everyone. For unmarried partners, however—whether opposite-sex or same-sex—an estate plan is […]