A headache no one wants to deal with — but over 13 million Americans fell victim to last year — is identify theft. Take these steps to minimize your risk. Choose online passwords carefully. Use a different password for every…
Several of us at the Hook Law Center are pet owners. Our pets are important to us, like members of our families. We find that many of our clients are pet owners, as well, but they often forget to make…
In 2022, the federal estate tax exemption is $12.06 million. This means that an individual can pass up to $12.06 million without paying a federal estate tax (Virginia and North Carolina have both essentially eliminated their estate tax). Thus, for…
No one likes to imagine what will happen if a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. The reality of a dementia diagnosis is difficult and heartbreaking to face, but if you fail to face it before the situation becomes a…
If you have been reading this newsletter for any period of time, you likely are aware of the importance of having comprehensive, up-to-date estate planning documents. What you may not realize, however, is that where you keep your original documents…
Applying for Medicaid can be an overwhelming process. If your application is denied, this process can become even more stressful and confusing. Thankfully, there are actions you can take to become eligible for Medicaid even after a denial. Medicaid is…
Making the decision to move a loved one to a long-term-care facility is never easy. Finding the right facility can be even harder. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other disability, that person might someday need…
In incredibly simple terms, blockchain is a shared ledger that details activity and transactions of specific assets. The ledger is instantly updated and shared among participants which facilitates instant access to information among participants and avoids the necessity of duplicating…
So, you are the guardian and conservator of a loved one, and now you and your loved one are moving out of state. Do you know that there are often additional steps you must take before the move to avoid…