While the past year has been one of isolation and uncertainty for all Americans, no group has felt the isolation more than those in long term care facilities. For more than a year now, long term care facilities have allowed…
Author: Letha Sgritta McDowell, CELA
Tips to Protect Seniors from Scams
Unfortunately, financial abuse of seniors in the form of scams and fraud have existed for quite some time. With every new version of a scam comes new tips for how to avoid such scenarios. However, 2020 saw a milestone in…
New Year, Time to File Income Tax Returns
As January comes to a close, Americans are beginning to think about tax season and filing taxes. For many, documents marked as “Important Tax Documents” have already started arriving. This week the IRS announced that individual tax returns can be…
I’m a Beneficiary, I’ve Been Wronged… Now What?
The process of administering a trust or estate can be lengthy and complex. It seems even longer for a beneficiary who has the expectation of receiving funds or property after an estate or trust is settled. While most administration efforts…
Working Mothers and Memory
It seems that as if no time in history have we been more focused on health than in 2020. Daily, we are receiving discouraging news about COVID, the symptoms of COVID, the risks for COVID and other factors that may…
I’m Named as Trustee or Beneficiary: Now What?
In the past I’ve written about what a trust is and whether a person needs a trust as part of their estate plan. If you haven’t read my most recent post, then I recommend you check it out at: https://www.hooklawcenter.com/2020/07/24/what-is-a-trust-anyway/…
Dangerous Drugs and Dementia
A recent report published in the Journal of American Medical Association reveals that a significant number of dementia patients have been prescribed psychiatric drugs which are risky in older adults. The study indicates that almost 75% of older adult dementia…
What is a Trust Anyway?
When people are discussing their estate plans, many arrive with a preconceived notion that they need a “trust.” In some circumstances the reasoning behind this is simply because a trusted friend or advisor has said so. In some cases, the…
Planning to Transition a Small or Family-Owned Business
Estate planning often involves the transition of a small or family-owned business to the next generation. Despite best plans and practices by estate planners and business coaches, this transition often fails, leaving dissatisfied families and employees in the wake of…
