Ruder Ware's Elder Law Team Recognizes National Special Needs Law Month - Part 2
It is easy to mistakenly assume that naming a guardian in estate planning documents is only critical for individuals with minor children. In reality, however, appointing a guardian is just as important for parents as it is...more
Estate planning is a crucial process for anyone looking to protect their family and assets, but for families with a loved one who has special needs, it requires additional considerations. Without proper planning, a...more
Careful planning for a loved one with disabilities is one of the most important and compassionate acts you can take as a parent or caregiver. It’s not just about securing their financial future, it’s about preserving their...more
For newly married couples and those starting a family, estate planning is often thought of as something to address later in life. However, as discussed by Dan Stone, an associate in the Elder Law Practice Group at Mandelbaum...more
Looking for a way to stop family arguments over politics? Well, who isn’t. A quick way to derail a familial political scuffle: Quietly announce that you want to talk about your will. The silence should be automatic. It’s...more
Celebrities like Jay Leno and Emma Hemming Willis (married to Bruce Willis) are speaking out about their experiences with guardianship and caregiving. If you are caring for a family member with dementia too, a time will...more
As AI increasingly becomes part of our everyday lives, individuals and families are exploring the use of AI programs to prepare estate plans. The answer to whether AI can be used for this purpose is, of course, yes. AI...more
I was driving to work on August 24, listening to Lady Gaga on my Pandora radio station, when suddenly, I had a strong urge to call my younger daughter, Hannah. We talk regularly, so it isn’t unusual that I call her on my way...more
Adult guardianship is a legal relationship in which a person (the “guardian”) is appointed by a court to make decisions on behalf of another adult (the “ward”). Adult guardianship arrangements are meant to benefit and protect...more
My name is Attorney Jessica Merkel. As we shared earlier this month, October is Special Needs Law Month. Since this is part two of our two-part series, we wanted to recap that in our first part we shared with you some...more
At 5:30 a.m. my phone started ringing. I am an early riser, but I have to say that I almost never get calls that early in the morning. In fact, that is my quiet time when I drink my coffee, think about my day ahead, and...more
When children with disabilities turn 18, your ability as a parent to make decisions for their care and future become limited. Specific long-term planning decisions can help your family better plan for the future....more