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We live in a modern world where blended families are becoming more and more common. A blended family is one made up of two spouses where at least one spouse has children from a previous marriage or relationship.

Question: I am the nominated executor of my friend’s estate. If I am appointed as executor, would I get paid for the work I do?

Question: My father is about to enter a nursing facility. He may have to spenddown some of his money in order to qualify for Medicaid. I was told that he could pre-pay his own funeral and he may be able to pay for his children’s funeral as well. Is this true?

Question: I have an elderly aunt. I’m embarrassed to say that I only visit once every few months. I recently learned that she has a caretaker that has moved into her house and, I suspect, taking money from my aunt. When I asked my aunt about it she got angry. What can I do to protect her?

Question: I loaned my friend money and, before he could repay me, he died. Will I still be able to collect the debt owed to me?

The best way to manage your own affairs while you are alive and to provide properly for your beneficiaries at your death is to have an estate plan. There is a distinction between having a “plan” and having documents.

Question: As a “millennial”, when is it a good time to start thinking about estate planning? Do I need to accumulate assets before considering planning for my future?

For many clients the idea of creating and funding an Irrevocable Trust with an end goal of protecting assets should the need for long term care arise raises questions and concerns about the potential tax implications.

Question: My dad died. He was remarried and survived by a wife and two children from that marriage. I’m a non-marital child. There is no last will and testament. I think he owns some property in his own name but everything else is joint with his wife. What happens now? What rights do I have?

Question: I am looking into different care options for my mom, but I am concerned that she will lose her income to pay for care. This is the money she lives on every month. I recently heard that I could get her care at home through Medicaid and she would still be able to use her income for her regular monthly expenses. How does this work?