National Stroke Awareness Month is observed in the United States each year during the month of May. The goal of National Stroke Awareness Month is to create public awareness about stroke risk factors and to lessen the occurrence of stroke in the U.S. This year, the Grand Forks elder law attorneys at German Law offer suggestions on how to get involved in National Stroke Awareness Month. A History of Stroke According to the American Heart Association, someone in the United States has a stroke … [Read more...] about May Is National Stroke Awareness Month
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Military Appreciation Month: What You Can Do to Participate
What Is Military Appreciation Month? Military Appreciation Month, which traditionally takes place throughout the entire month of May, was initially recognized by a resolution in the U.S. Senate in 1999. The purpose behind devoting an entire month to our military is to remind Americans to celebrate the men and women who have served in the military and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Although the entire month is devoted to military appreciation, there are also … [Read more...] about Military Appreciation Month: What You Can Do to Participate
Celebrate Older Americans Month This May
Whether you are an “older” American yourself or have a loved one who qualifies, May is the time to celebrate older Americans. Officially designated as “Older Americans Month,” the month of May is a time to honor and appreciate the past, current, and future contributions of the older members of our nation. To get you started, the Grand Forks elder law attorney at German Law encourage you to celebrate Older Americans Month this May. What Is Older Americans Month? In its 2022 proclamation, the … [Read more...] about Celebrate Older Americans Month This May
Can I Create a Last Will and Testament Without a Lawyer?
Most people are aware of the need to have an estate plan in place, yet, about half of all Americans do not have one in place. If you are among them but have recently decided it is time to do something about that, you will likely start with creating a Last Will and Testament. That may have you considering the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) route. In today’s electronic age it is easy enough to find a DIY Will form online; however, doing so could be counter-productive in the long run. To help explain, the … [Read more...] about Can I Create a Last Will and Testament Without a Lawyer?
Can I Make Changes to My Trust Agreement?
Once your estate plan moves beyond the basics, there is a good chance you will decide to incorporate a trust into your overall plan to help achieve one of your many estate planning goals. You may, however, decide you need to make changes to your trust agreement at some point down the road. The Grand Forks trust lawyers at German Law explain how you can make changes to a trust agreement in case you find yourself at that point. Trust Fundamentals All trusts fit into one of two categories – … [Read more...] about Can I Make Changes to My Trust Agreement?
Tips to Help Your Estate Plan Succeed
Given how important your estate plan is, you certainly want it to function as intended. Your attorney will provide you with advice and guidance during the creation of your estate plan; however, there are also some tips to help your estate plan succeed. With that in mind, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain what you can do to help create a successful estate plan. Contact Grand Forks Estate Planning Attorneys Please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you … [Read more...] about Tips to Help Your Estate Plan Succeed
Planning for the International Client
As the world shrinks due to increased mobility and interconnectedness, estate planning has become more complex. Now estate planning requires understanding issues that arise when a client owns assets in another country or resides in the U.S. but lacks citizen status. Things change for clients who neither reside in the U.S., nor have U.S. citizenship, but who own U.S. property. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Planning for the International Client
Can Medicaid Take My Home If I Need to Qualify for the Program?
Like many people who are nearing their retirement years, you may be concerned about the likelihood that you (or your spouse) will need long-term care (LTC) at some point. As you likely know, the cost of LTC can be exorbitant. Medicaid may be able to help; however, you may also be worried about losing your home if you turn to Medicaid for help. To help prepare you for the future, the Grand Forks Medicaid planning attorneys at German Law explain Medicaid eligibility in North Dakota and … [Read more...] about Can Medicaid Take My Home If I Need to Qualify for the Program?
Is Your Intellectual Property Protected in Your Estate Plan?
Your estate consists of all real and personal property as well as tangible and intangible assets owned by you, or in which you share an ownership interest, at the time of your death. Assets such as your home, vehicles, investment accounts, and securities likely come to mind when you contemplate estate planning; however, you may also own intellectual property that should be included in your estate plan. Whether you own intellectual property rights acquired directly by you because of your own work … [Read more...] about Is Your Intellectual Property Protected in Your Estate Plan?
What Happens When You Don’t Trust Your Trustee – Part II
Trusts have become ubiquitous parts of estate plans. Many estate plans use revocable trusts as the foundation for the plan while others include irrevocable trusts. Regardless of the planning reason, every trust needs a trustee. The grantor may name the beneficiary as trustee, or the grantor may name another individual or entity as trustee, creating a natural tension between the beneficiary and trustee. If the tension becomes too great, the beneficiary may seek to have the trustee removed. As … [Read more...] about What Happens When You Don’t Trust Your Trustee – Part II
