Most of us start thinking about retirement early on in our working career. As we get closer to retirement age, several important decisions must be made related to our retirement. What age to begin accepting Social Security retirement benefits is one of those decisions. Before you decide to start accepting your retirement benefits early, a North Andover estate planning attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices explains the downside of doing so. The Social Security Retirement System The Social … [Read more...] about Should I Take Early Retirement?
What Are the Advantages of a Revocable Trust?
Although a Last Will and Testament remains the most common estate planning document, a trust is not far behind in popularity. If you decide to add a trust to your estate plan, you will have to decide which type of trust to create. A Woburn trust attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices explains some of the many advantages to revocable trusts. Trust Fundamentals A trust is a relationship whereby property is held by one party for the benefit of another. A Settlor (also referred to as a “Grantor” … [Read more...] about What Are the Advantages of a Revocable Trust?
How to Avoid a Lump Sum Gift
Like many people, you probably created an estate plan to ensure that your assets are used to provide for loved ones after you are gone. Making direct gifts within your estate plan is one way to do that; however, you may not want to make a direct gift if the assets are valuable and/or the beneficiary is unprepared to manage the assets. In that case, you may wish to stagger the distribution of the inheritance you gift to a beneficiary. The North Andover trust attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Offices … [Read more...] about How to Avoid a Lump Sum Gift
Who Should Be My Executor?
When most people contemplate the creation of their Last Will and Testament, they focus on decisions related to the gifts they will make within that Will. Consequently, appointing someone as the Executor of their estate is often an afterthought. In fact, failing to give sufficient thought to the choice of an Executor is one of the most common of all estate planning mistakes. To help you avoid making that mistake, a North Andover estate planning attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices offers tips on … [Read more...] about Who Should Be My Executor?
Planning Is Important
Planning is important. End-of-year tax planning is one part of that planning. This year you should also consider whether you’ve had any payroll tax withholdings deferred. If your employer deferred those withholdings, you’ll have more money withheld next year than usual. That means you’ll have less money for other things, like IRA contributions. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Planning Is Important
Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
A Health Care Power of Attorney appoints someone to make decisions for you if you’re not able to do so for yourself. An Advance Directive expresses your wishes regarding end-of-life decisions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to have them up-to-date. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
What You Need to Know If You Are Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
Millions of people are currently providing unpaid care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s – and they pay a price for providing that care. Studies tell us that unpaid caregivers for those who have Alzheimer's or other dementia are more likely to have higher levels of stress hormones, reduced immune function, new hypertension, and new heart disease than non-caregivers. The Nashua elder law attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Offices discuss what you need to know if you are caring for someone with … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know If You Are Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
What You Can Do to Prepare for Your Estate Planning Consultation
If you are among the millions of Americans who has yet to create and estate plan, doing so now may make you may feel a little intimidated. You may be concerned about what you need to do to prepare if you have made an appointment with an estate planning attorney. To help put you at ease, and to make the most out of your appointment, the Nashua estate planning attorneys at DeBruyckere Law Offices give you ideas for how to prepare for your estate planning consultation. Define Your Goals When … [Read more...] about What You Can Do to Prepare for Your Estate Planning Consultation
Building Flexibility into Your Plan
There are all sorts of formalities to an estate plan. Does that mean you can’t change anything by yourself? Read on to learn how your estate plan, if done properly, can give you the flexibility to make changes by yourself as to certain assets. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Building Flexibility into Your Plan
Planning for Incapacity
There is more to estate planning than disposing of your assets after your death. Planning for your incapacity is just as important. Read on to learn more about how incapacity planning can save you and your loved ones' anxiety. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Planning for Incapacity
