Tag: Elder Law
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Legal Aid Resources: Finding Free and Low-Cost Services for Seniors
Deeds.com offers updated, compliant real estate documents and forms. Now and then, a reader has situation-specific legal questions which require legal advice. Law firms can get expensive, but there are services available at low or no cost for older adults who need them.
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Power of Attorney or Guardianship for Older Adults: Confront and Avert Misuse
When it’s apparent that a power of attorney is being improperly used, is there any recourse? Here, we explore this important question.
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Conservatorship? Guardianship? What Do They Mean for Senior Deed Transfers?
For a lifelong couple, the day comes when one partner starts to focus intently on the well-being of the other. Before then, it’s important for a couple to document their plans and wishes. But how will they transfer the jointly held deed to their home, when one of them loses the capacity to do so?…
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Snowbird Estate Planning for a Changing Environment
If you move with the seasons, your retirement and estate planning needs special attention — now more than ever. This article provides some considerations for snowbirds in changing times.
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Transfer on Death Deed: Second Thoughts?
Avoiding the probate courts is an important goal for some homeowners. That’s why the transfer on death deedhas achieved popularity. One by one, most states have now adopted the option. Sometimes called the TOD deed, or just TODD, it offers a relatively simple way for a deed holder to say who’ll get the deed next.…
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Older Adults, Look Out for These Two Common Deed Bloopers
What are the most common fumbles older adults make with deeds? Let’s take it from the top.
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Reverse Mortgage Problems: When to Stay, and When to Walk Away
Reverse mortgages are designed for senior homeowners. They’re advertised as a super power available to longtime deed holders. The idea? When you’re low on cash, tap into your many years of equity-building. Draw financial strength from your property’s value. Sounds good, and yet pitfalls await the unwary. Reverse mortgages allow borrowing to increase, and home equity…
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As You Get Older, You May Need Medicaid. Protect Your Deed.
Medicaid is a popular program, funding healthcare needs. For millions of eligible people, these needs include nursing home stays. First, the good news. Most people don’t have to sell their homes to qualify for nursing home funds. Now, the not-so-welcome news. The state could record a lien on your title and collect from your estate…
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When a Co-Owner Has Dementia: What’s Ahead?
Do you co-own a home? Then you could one day be asking if your deed can be signed over to someone else if either co-owner develops dementia. You might even want to transfer the deed entirely, and move to a place that will be easier on one or both of you. Let’s take a look…
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Seniors Under Pressure: Could Someone You Love Sign a Deed Away?
It’s an all-too-common story. You’re caring for your parent, who’s a deed holder. And when you’re not looking, another person persuades the senior to sign over the deed. Who puts pressure on elders to give away their homes? It could be a renter. Maybe an acquaintance or relative. Maybe a health assistant or handy person. …
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Estate Planning for Seniors With Multiple Properties
Seniors who own multiple properties have unique estate planning challenges. It’s a good problem to have. But if you’re in this situation, you’ll need to develop a strategy to pass your valuable assets after your passing. You’ll want to know the basics about deeds, wills, and trusts. Tax implications? Yes, those too. You’ll want to…
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Multigenerational Homeownership: How the Deed Is Vested
Millions of U.S. households have multiple adult generations. How do they divide up the worth of their home and the upkeep that goes into it? Who pays the mortgage, insurance, and property taxes? What happens if an owner leaves the home, or passes away? A lot comes down to good deed planning. In this discussion…
