Dear Friends of Clarity: At Clarity Legal Group we see the challenges of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic as an occasion for all of us to come together as a community while staying physically apart. It is essential to protect each other, especially those who are most vulnerable among us. The services we provide in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and healthcare planning seem particularly timely under the circumstances. The latest Stay-at-Home orders issued this … [Read more...] about Introducing Our 5-Day Rocket Process
Families Gather in Novel Ways in Pandemic
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been a challenge confronting countries around the world. The disruptions from the social distancing required to fight the virus have been felt by people around the world. As we mark passing holidays, we reflect on the importance of family. Learn how to share time with family during this pandemic and tackle tasks such as Estate Planning. As we begin to open up non-essential businesses and some of us begin to spend more time outside of our homes, remember … [Read more...] about Families Gather in Novel Ways in Pandemic
How Does the Coronavirus Impact your Need to do Estate Planning?
As estate planning attorneys at Clarity Legal Group®, serving Raleigh, Cary, Durham , Chapel Hill and surrounding areas, a big part of what we do is help people prepare for life's unexpected challenges. How's the coronavirus for an unexpected challenge? Big, scary, and most of all, something that feels outside of our control. All of the good advice about facing this challenge is about dealing with the things you can control. Wash you hands, frequently, thoroughly, and discipline yourself … [Read more...] about How Does the Coronavirus Impact your Need to do Estate Planning?
What If I Don’t Want to Be the Executor?
When a loved one passes away, one of the first things people typically do is to look for a Last Will and Testament. One reason they do that is because if the decedent left behind a valid Will, that document will indicate who the decedent appointed to serve as the Executor of his/her estate. In my practice, I often speak with surviving family members/loved ones who recently learned that they were appointed to be the Executor of an estate; however, they are sometimes less than enthusiastic about … [Read more...] about What If I Don’t Want to Be the Executor?
How Do I Know If I Need to Probate My Mother’s Estate?
The loss of a parent, at any age, is not an easy thing to go through. If you are an adult child at the time, your grief may need to be reined in if you are also responsible for administering your mother’s estate. One of the first decisions you must make is whether your mother’s estate requires probate. Because of the complex and unique nature of probate, you should consult with an attorney in person. At Clarity Legal Group® Probate and Trust Administration are a big part of what our Raleigh, … [Read more...] about How Do I Know If I Need to Probate My Mother’s Estate?
What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A comprehensive estate plan includes more than just a Will. You need a broad set of legal documents and organizational approaches in order to cover all of the necessary bases. A lot of estate planning is about management and control of your assets, and not just at your death. A Will doesn't do anything until you die, and even then it doesn't control all of your assets. Among the tools every estate plan needs is a broad general durable Power of Attorney. This document gives someone the power … [Read more...] about What Is a Durable Power of Attorney?
Are You Eligible for Medicaid If You Own a House?
I addressed the differences between Medicare and Medicaid as well as introducing some basics of Medicaid Planning in my blog post earlier this week. Today, I want to talk about the biggest mistake I see for children making when helping a parent begin the process of qualifying for Medicaid: selling the parent's house as part of a spend down to qualify for Medicaid. This is almost never necessary and is almost always a huge mistake. A house is almost always an uncountable asset, meaning it … [Read more...] about Are You Eligible for Medicaid If You Own a House?
What Is the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
I often have clients ask me about the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Although most of them have heard of both programs, they may never have needed to rely on them until they reach retirement age. Unfortunately, waiting until you need to qualify for Medicaid, in particular, can put your retirement nest egg at risk. That is one of the many reasons why I try to educate my clients about Medicare and Medicaid when they are still relatively young. My hope is to help my clients understand … [Read more...] about What Is the Difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Are There Alternatives for Managing Property When Someone becomes Incapacitated?
Estate planning, when done properly, accomplishes more than just planning for the division of your property after you are gone. In fact, I always stress to my clients the importance of planning for the possibility of their own incapacity as well. As an estate planning attorney, I have seen firsthand what happens when incapacity strikes and there isn’t a plan in place. If you own property, it is particularly important to have a plan in place for the management of that property during your … [Read more...] about Are There Alternatives for Managing Property When Someone becomes Incapacitated?
Estate Planning Conference Discusses SECURE Act and More
Those of you who attended our 2019 Clarity Legal Group® Annual Client Education Program heard our discussion and predictions regarding the possibility of significant changes to the rules relating to IRAs and other tax deferred retirement accounts. We discussed the SECURE Act, which at the time was stuck in committee in the United States Senate, having passed the House of Representatives. On December 19, 2019, having passed the Senate, it became law, effective January 1, 2020. Clarity Legal … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Conference Discusses SECURE Act and More
