O’Brien Estate Law Blog
How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?
Updating your estate plan is critical to ensuring your wishes are respected and your assets are managed effectively after your death. However, many people wonder how often they should revisit and revise these plans. The frequency of updates depends on various life events, legal changes, and personal circumstances. Here’s a…
How Does a Healthcare Power of Attorney Work?
A healthcare power of attorney (HPOA) is a critical legal document that designates a trusted person, known as the agent or proxy, to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Understanding how an HPOA works is essential for anyone seeking to ensure their healthcare wishes are respected,…
What Is the Role of a Guardian for Minor Children in Estate Planning?
As a parent, ensuring the future well-being of your minor children is one of the most important aspects of estate planning. In the unfortunate event of your passing or incapacitation, appointing a guardian becomes crucial to providing your children with the care and stability they need. This decision involves more…
Protect yourself from liability in your rental property
Owning a rental property is a rewarding investment that can generate steady income and long-term financial growth. However, along with the benefits come significant responsibilities and potential liabilities. As a landlord, you face various risks ranging from property damage and legal disputes to tenant injuries and financial losses. Navigating these…
Should you consider long-term care insurance in your estate plan?
Long-term care in the United States is a topic often avoided until it’s too late. Many individuals overlook the potential financial burden it poses, assuming that their savings or government programs will cover it. However, the reality is stark: long-term care can really drain your money and wipe out what…
Can You Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan?
Estate planning has evolved in the last couple of decades beyond planning for disposition of traditional assets like real estate, vehicles, and heirlooms. Today, individuals possess an unprecedented number of digital assets, ranging from cryptocurrency and online accounts to digital photos and social media profiles. With this digital evolution, many,…
How to Start Managing Risk in Your Small Business
Running a small business comes with many challenges, and one significant concern is navigating the complex nature of legal issues. From contracts to intellectual property rights, and employment matters to compliance regulations, the legal aspects of entrepreneurship can be daunting. However, with proactive measures and a solid understanding of potential…
How To Take Care of Your Pets in Your Estate Plan
How Can I Ensure My Pets Are Taken Care Of In My Estate Plan? Pets are more than just animals; they’re cherished members of the family. They bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. As responsible pet owners, it’s only natural to want to ensure their well-being even…
What Is Probate?
Probate is a term often heard in legal discussions, especially in the context of wills, estates, and inheritances. But what exactly does it entail? In simple terms, probate for decedent’s estates is a formal legal process that deals with a person’s will after they pass away. It confirms the will’s…
What’s the difference between a living will and a last will?
In estate planning and healthcare decisions, confusion often arises between two legal documents with similar names – the Last Will and Testament (commonly known as a “Will”) and the Living Will. While both documents play crucial roles in different aspects of life, understanding the distinctions between them is essential for…