Many of our clients are introduced to us between ages 65-85 and, therefore, cannot afford to ride out a financial plan that varies with the ups and downs of the market. There is just not enough time to wait for that kind of investment and it is very risky for a senior. That is why our strategies rarely, if ever, depend on variable products which are tied so closely to the stock market. Many of our clients have come to us because the volatile stock market or nursing home costs are in the process of eating their life savings. We were able to help them make a financial recovery. In fact, many of our clients did not believe they had any assets at all until we had our first complimentary interview. At that point, we were able to sit down and discuss a number of options which are available to seniors that the average elder law attorney overlooks or simply does not understand.

When designing an estate strategy, there are four things we want to accomplish.

There are many tools we can use when planning your estate. A Living Trust is the foundation to any estate plan. We rarely recommend only a Will because a Will goes through probate upon your death, which is very costly and it is also public (anyone can go look at a probate record). A Living Trust avoids probate and remains private.

Each case is different. And each case is designed with your specific desires and wishes in mind. Some of the things we consider to achieve the most effective basic estate plan are:

I want to control my property while alive, take care of my loved ones and myself if I become disabled, and, upon my death, give what I have to whom I want, the way I want, and when I want. And if I can, I want to save every last tax dollar, professional fee, and court cost possible.
(From the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys)