One of the worst crimes one person can commit on another is stealing and when the victim is elderly and with dementia or some other form of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s especially disturbing. For one man in Philadelphia, PA, it could be that justice is about to catch up with him. For the rest of us, it's a reminder of the importance of powers of attorney.Antoine Turay, a funeral director, is being accused of stealing close to $300,000 not from a client of the funeral home, but rather, a … [Read more...]
Is There A Difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
It seems as though Alzheimer’s is in the news on an almost daily basis. If you have a loved one who is showing signs of memory loss you are undoubtedly worried that it means Alzheimer’s is around the corner. Does as memory loss lead to dementia and is all dementia caused by Alzheimer’s though? To clear up some confusion, a North Andover area elder law attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices explains the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia.Defining DementiaUnderstanding the … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 6: Why
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the sixth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This sixth article addresses “why” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more.The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 6: Why … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 5: How
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the fifth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This fifth article addresses “how” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more.The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 5: How … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 2 – Undue Influence
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is the second part of a series of articles on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls. This article looks at “undue influence.”Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 2 – Undue Influence … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 1 – Formal Requirements
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is part of a series of articles on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls.Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 1 – Formal Requirements … [Read more...]
Top 5 Trust Administration Mistakes to Avoid
In a perfect world, the Settlor of a trust would sit down with a potential Trustee and discuss the position to ensure that the individual was comfortable with, and prepared for, the role of Trustee. In the imperfect world that we live in, however, it doesn’t always happen that way. Instead, you may only learn of your appointment as a Trustee after the death of the Settlor. Regardless of how or when you learn that you were appointed as a Trustee, you undoubtedly want to succeed at the position. … [Read more...]
How Do I Include Cryptocurrency in My Estate Plan?
If you are someone who is particularly tech savvy, or who likes to get in on the ground floor of the “next big thing,” there is a very good chance that you own cryptocurrency. If you do, it is important to identify it as an asset within your estate plan. Because of the unique characteristics of this type of currency, failing to identify and include it in your estate plan could cause it to be lost forever after you are gone. To ensure that does not happen, a Beverly area estate planning attorney … [Read more...]
I Received a Crummey Notice. What Does It Mean?
Are you a trust beneficiary who just received a “Crummey notice?” If so, you may be a bit confused as to the purpose of the notice. Does the notice directly impact you? Is there something you are required to do after receiving the notice? To help clarify those concerns, a North Andover area trust attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices discusses what to do after receiving a Crummey notice.Understanding Your Role as a Trust BeneficiaryA trust is a legal arrangement wherein one party (the … [Read more...]
Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
The holidays are supposed to be a time of goodwill and cheer – and for most of us they are. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when scam artists start trolling for victims. Anyone can fall victim to a talented fraudster; however, the elderly are at a heightened risk of being victimized for several reasons. Not only do they tend to have more disposable income, but they are also typically more trusting and less technologically adept, making them ideal targets for scammers. To help you avoid … [Read more...]
