Across the country, millions of adults are quietly living in what has come to be known as the sandwich generation. Statistics show that one in six Americans is in the sandwich generation, supporting aging parents while also...more
Divorce reshapes nearly every aspect of a client’s legal and financial life, yet estate planning consequences are frequently overlooked. Many individuals assume that once a divorce is filed, their estranged spouse is...more
Both before and after a child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 in most states), an advance directive can play a critical role in who has access to medical information and who may make or carry out health care decisions...more
On December 17, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a deal was reached with lawmakers to move forward with signing the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law. Hochul’s announcement paves the way for New York to join 12...more
As the new year begins, Howard S. Krooks shares insights into one of the most challenging issues many families face: navigating the complexities of family caregiving and end-of-life financial planning. His perspective is...more
A new letter opinion from the Delaware Court of Chancery offers a clear look at how guardianship disputes can unravel when families delay planning and old loyalties collide. The case, In re Guardianship of W.E., involved...more
It is easy to mistakenly assume that naming a guardian in estate planning documents is only critical for individuals with minor children. In reality, however, appointing a guardian is just as important for parents as it is...more
William Wordsworth said that the best part of a good man's life is “his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love." In this spirit, many of us work to fill each page of our life’s story with small deeds of...more
Considering your incapacity or death can feel overwhelming, but thoughtful estate planning can provide peace of mind and ensure your goals are carried out. Thoughtful estate planning often involves more than simply a...more
In the late 19th century, death was almost fashionable. Funerals were well attended and even rivaled weddings in their splendor and expense. Department stores offered an array of luxury clothing for grieving mothers and...more
It was a heartfelt move by a high-profile person. Renowned comedian and former talk-show host Jay Leno took significant steps to ensure the well-being of his wife, Mavis, who has dementia, should he die before her. Unable to...more
When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to deal with is a lawsuit, or have your heirs inherit a lawsuit. After the death of a maternal or paternal figure that keeps the family together, tensions flare between siblings...more
What are the most important elements of estate and tax planning for US expatriates? Are you planning to move out of the United States? Are you a US taxpayer who lives and works outside of the country? What are some of the...more
Things change; a periodic review of your estate plan is an important part of plan maintenance. Your basic estate plan (will, trust, powers of attorney, etc.) can be amended whenever necessary. It’s important to consider your...more
Prospective clients often call and tell me they “need a simple living will.” They usually mean they want a will – and likely a trust, general power of attorney, health care power of attorney, living will, and real estate...more
Currently, there is no lack of opinion regarding the millennial generation. As a millennial, it is not hard to understand why. However, despite the potential dividing views on this particular generation, there is one common...more
Operators of skilled nursing facilities want their patients to enter into arbitration agreements. While such agreements don’t eliminate the risk of litigation, they at least reduce the expense and exposure associated with...more
August is upon us and you may soon be sending children off to college. If your child is age 18 or older, you and your child will need to take some simple steps so that, in the event of an emergency, you will be able to make...more
What is an Estate Plan? An Estate Plan is a set of legal documents that memorialize how you want your assets distributed at your death. A good Estate Plan will also include documents that provide for options to manage...more
As students return to colleges and universities across the United States amid COVID-19 concerns, students, their parents and their families should ensure that arrangements for the student’s medical decision-making for an...more
The COVID-19 pandemic has focused us all on necessities and on trying to prepare for an uncertain future. This article outlines why an estate plan is one of those necessities. I Don’t Have an Estate Plan; What Would Happen...more
Whether you have been named power of attorney or have named someone to act as yours, it is crucial to understand the legal obligations and restrictions of power of attorney and living wills. In this webinar, Whitney O’Reilly...more
The numbers of confirmed cases of U.S. citizens with COVID and of those who die from COVID related symptoms are continuing to rise. COVID-19 has caused life-threating respiratory conditions, extended hospitalizations, and a...more
If you’re like most people, there is a laundry list of things you’d rather do than think about your estate plan. While it can be a challenging area to discuss, your estate plan is essential to ensure you and your family are...more
Taking the time to complete your health care power of attorney and living will is a great step toward ensuring that your health care wishes will be followed if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. A health care...more