Northwest Indiana, North Central Indiana & Michiana Estate Planning, Probate, Wills and Living Trusts Attorneys
Serving Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan since 1972 with offices in South Bend, Lafayette, and Valparaiso.
Plans, Powers of Attorney, & Other Documents
What do you need? Actually, the right question to ask is “What are you trying to accomplish?”
One of the reasons “estate planning” confuses people is that it is a broad term that may encompass legal, financial, accounting or other planning. There are hundreds of combinations of documents that may make up a person’s legal estate plan. To add to confusion, what you need is probably different than your family, friends, or neighbors.
It is helpful to understand what documents do. Use the resources of this site to familiarize yourself with the types of documents as you wish. When you are ready, schedule an appointment so we can talk about what you want to accomplish, then design an estate plan that is uniquely yours.
Assisted Care Options: In-Home Options, Rehab, and Nursing Homes
There may be nothing more confusing for a family than all things revolving around “nursing homes.” Hearing any sentence that includes “nursing home” sets nerves on edge, raises concerns about costs, and brings to mind all of the stories you have heard about losing life savings, income, or your house.
The need to engage a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center, unfortunately, often comes at a time when a family is dealing with a loved one in a medically challenging condition.
We encourage our clients or those seeking information to schedule an appointment as soon as an issue may be possible on the horizon. Planning and information gathering puts you in the position of power and knowledge. Even if it turns out to be earlier than initially thought, you are better prepared when the time does come.
Review some of the general scenarios we share. Then, schedule an appointment to discuss your specific questions and concerns.
What To Do When Someone Dies
Information to Help Know What To Do When Someone Dies
Whether a death occurs after a long battle or completely out of the blue, the sense of loss very often clouds decision-making as you begin the process of taking care of legal, financial, and personal matters. We often want to do something; sometimes to allow focus on something other than the loss.
It is important to understand, very little beyond funeral arrangements needs to be done immediately. The need depends upon the person’s assets, ownership, liabilities, family circumstances, planning, and estate. Acting too quickly can cause issues or exposure to problems that may be avoided if a proper plan to administer the estate is put in place.
We have some first steps to help you through the first days with some basic guidance to understand what to do, what not to do, and why. We provide some direction to know what to look for, ideas how to gather essential information, and some things of which you will want to be wary.
First and foremost, take a deep breath. When you are ready, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the first steps to help information. The material provides some key points when you may want to contact our office to discuss how to move forward. We look forward to the opportunity to bring our years of experience to you through this difficult time.