Elder Abuse: Financial Exploitation

Watch for telltale signs

Financial exploitation is the second most common form of elder abuse. Exploitation is theft, pure and simple. Theft by strangers includes lottery scams, telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud, identity theft, and other con games. But theft by those who aren’t strangers is more subtle, hidden, and insidious. Read More >>

All of My Property Goes Through My Will, Right?

Misconception #1 of “The 12 Biggest Misconceptions of Estate Planning Clients”

Most people know what they own, but few people know how they own it. Unless you’re single with very few assets, this may describe you. How can this be?

Here’s a common scenario. Husband and wife bought their house 10 years ago, and they own it 50/50. But what does the house title actually say? If the title says “jointly” or “joint tenants” or “joint tenants with right of survivorship,” then the house will automatically become the surviving spouse’s sole property upon the death of the other, with no probate process necessary. If those magic words don’t appear anywhere on the title (at least in Colorado), then the deceased spouse’s “half” might have to pass according to the will, or by state law if there is no will.  Read More >>

The 12 Biggest Misconceptions of Estate Planning Clients

Lack of understanding about what the law really says

We’ve all heard the line attributed to Benjamin Franklin: “In this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes.” How true. And that is the concern of estate planning—death and taxes. Throw in planning for disability, and you’ve got the waterfront covered. Read More >>