You probably created a Last Will and Testament as the foundation of your estate plan. At some point, you may also want to add a Living Will to that plan to ensure that your wishes will be honored regarding end-of-life healthcare decisions. Toward that end, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law offer suggestions regarding when to create or update your Living Will. Advance Directive Basics An advance directive is a legal document that allows you to plan ahead and make your … [Read more...] about What Is a Living Will and Should I Have One?
Tips for Preventing Estate Disputes Among Siblings
If you have adult children, you undoubtedly want to do all you can to prevent disputes between them after you are gone. While there is no way to accomplish that goal with 100 percent certainty, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law offer the following tips to help prevent estate disputes between siblings. What Happens When There Is a Dispute Over Your Estate? No matter how old you are, nor how much warning and preparation an … [Read more...] about Tips for Preventing Estate Disputes Among Siblings
Should I Retire Early?
Social Security retirement benefits play a significant role in budgeting for retirement for many people. If you are one of those, you may be wondering at what age you should retire and start accepting your benefits. Because it does matter, the Grand Forks retirement planning attorneys at German Law explain how the age at which you begin accepting Social Security retirement benefits impacts your benefit amount. The Social Security Retirement System Throughout your working years you … [Read more...] about Should I Retire Early?
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Issues that impact the elderly are very much on the American conscious of late. The Alzheimer’s crisis, for example, is something that touches almost everyone. Whether you are concerned about developing the disease yourself, or you have a loved one who you are worried about, you need to understand as much about Alzheimer’s disease as possible. To help get you started, the Grand Forks elder law attorneys at German Law explain what you should know about Alzheimer’s disease. What Is Alzheimer’s … [Read more...] about Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
10 Estate Planning Steps
The prospect of creating your first estate plan can be a bit intimidating. Estate planning incorporates a wide range of goals and objectives into one comprehensive plan. That plan may include numerous estate planning tools and strategies, all of which can be overwhelming. To help get you started, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law offer 10 steps to take when creating your estate plan. Define your goals. Take some time to consider what you need to accomplish and what you … [Read more...] about 10 Estate Planning Steps
North Dakota Ranked 33rd in Elder Protection
As the population of older Americans continues to increase, we have also experienced an increased awareness of issues that impact them, including the prevalence of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. States across the nation are scrambling to try and prevent, or at least combat, the problem of elder abuse, with varying success. According to a recently released study by Wallet Hub, North Dakota ranks 33rd when it comes to the state's efforts at protecting its elder residents. The … [Read more...] about North Dakota Ranked 33rd in Elder Protection
Updating Your Plan: Your Trust or Will
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to think about updating your plan. This includes your entire plan, including your primary vehicle, such as a trust or will. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Updating Your Plan: Your Trust or Will
5 Steps for Finding the Right Long-Term Care Facility
As an adult child, one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to face is the decision to put a parent in a nursing home. If, however, your parent needs the type or level of care that you are unable to provide, choosing to find a nursing home for your parent is in his/her best interest. Once you have made the decision that a nursing home is the best option, the equally difficult task of finding the right facility is the next hurdle to get past. To make sure you find the right nursing … [Read more...] about 5 Steps for Finding the Right Long-Term Care Facility
Leaving Behind Your Legacy
The idea behind the concept of legacy planning is to take estate planning to the next level. Legacy planning allows you to incorporate your ideals, beliefs, values, and faith into your estate planning endeavors. Instead of simply leaving behind assets, legacy planning lets you leave behind much more of who you are and what made you into that person. To better explain, a Grand Forks legacy planning attorney at German Law explains how you can leave behind your legacy Traditional Estate … [Read more...] about Leaving Behind Your Legacy
Why Estate Planning Is Crucial for Farmers and Ranchers
To the average American it may seem as though family farms and ranches are all but a thing of the past; however, family owned and operated farming and ranching businesses have seen a comeback in recent years as consumer awareness has increased with regard to the practices of many industrial size ranching and farming operations. If you own a family farm or ranch, and you plan to pass the business down to the next generation, it is imperative that you plan accordingly. A Grand Forks estate … [Read more...] about Why Estate Planning Is Crucial for Farmers and Ranchers
