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How Well Do You Know Your Own Estate Plan?
If someone handed you your estate plan today, could you pass a pop quiz about what it actually says? Do you know who would manage your estate? Who would make financial and medical decisions if you became incapacitated? Who would care for your minor children? Do your beneficiary designations and asset titles still match your…
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Estate Planning Traps Most People Miss
Think your estate plan is up to date? You may be overlooking problems that could create headaches for your family later. An estate plan is not something you create once and forget. As your family, finances, and circumstances change, your plan can become outdated without you realizing it. Common traps include outdated beneficiary designations, failing…
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Considerations Before Heading South for Winter
For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it’s time to head south. Before leaving, take a few minutes to make sure your estate plan is ready to travel with you. If you split your time between states, your residency and domicile can affect taxes, property rights, and your estate plan. Owning property in multiple states can…
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When “We’ll Figure It Out” Becomes a Problem
When a parent’s health crisis hits, families often discover that what they thought they had figured out does not hold up. Good intentions and family agreements do not create legal authority. Hospitals, banks, and other institutions rely on formal documents. Without a valid power of attorney or other estate planning documents, important decisions can be…
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When Your Children Live in Different States
Today, it is common for parents to have children living in different states. While distance does not prevent a child from serving in an important role, it can create challenges when an emergency occurs. An out-of-state child may be a good choice to manage your finances, as many financial tasks can be handled remotely. However,…
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National Elder Law Month
May is National Elder Law Month—a timely reminder to plan for the legal and financial challenges that come with aging. Whether you are preparing for your own future or helping an aging parent, having the right plan in place can make all the difference. Elder law planning goes beyond a simple will. It includes powers…
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National Health Care Decisions Day 2026
April 16, 2026, is National Health Care Decisions Day—a reminder that every adult should have a plan in place for medical decision-making. If an unexpected illness or injury occurs, who will speak for you? Will they know your wishes? Without proper documents, your loved ones may face uncertainty, delays, or court involvement during already stressful…
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Hospital Power of Attorney for Health Care
Signing a Power of Attorney for Health Care at the hospital may feel like you’ve taken care of an important step—but these forms can be incomplete or even invalid. Sometimes they fail to name appropriate backup agents or list individuals who may not qualify due to age or other restrictions. If your primary agent is…
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Power of Attorney with Gifting Authority
When long-term care is needed suddenly, timing matters. Medicaid crisis planning often involves transferring or repositioning assets. But those steps can only be taken if someone has legal authority to act. A standard financial power of attorney is often not enough. To implement certain Medicaid planning strategies, the document must specifically authorize gifting and asset…
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Myth 4: I’m Not Wealthy Enough to Need a Plan
This myth is perhaps the most dangerous. Almost everyone, regardless of their net worth, can significantly benefit from thoughtful estate planning. An estate plan encompasses far more than just money. In a will, you can nominate a guardian to care for minor children if something happens to you. You can create a pet trust to…
Category: Power of Attorney
Eckert & Krautkramer, LLC
Protecting Assets, Preserving Dignity, Ensuring Peace of Mind
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