Estate Planning

Based on data compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture’s 2017 Census, there were approximately 33,438 farms in New York in 2017. This includes 6,886,171 acres that are currently in production. As anyone who lives on a farm can tell you, life on a farm is unique in various ways.  This is particularly true […]

Recently, after a mother in Oregon lost her four-year-old son in an accident, the woman to take the boy’s body back to the family’s ranch home. While the mother wanted a little more time with her child, she was instructed by a medical examiner that this request was not capable of being fulfilled. After navigating […]

Before you decide to use a Do-It-Yourself form to create your Last Will and Testament, you should understand who may pay the price for that decision. To help you better understand, a Carmel estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft explains what’s wrong with using a Do-it-Yourself Will form. The Price Your Loved Ones Pay […]

Not seeing medical providers when necessary. Being financially exploited by others. Not being able to take care of financial situations due to incapacity. These are just some of the common problems that people encounter without a proper guardian. In these situations, it often becomes necessary to petition the court so a more appropriate guardian can […]

The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that beginning in 2020, the first $11.58 million of a taxable estate is not subject to federal estate taxes. As a result of these changes, a majority of estates will not be subject to federal taxes. Even though estate planning is not as big an issue for many estate […]

Recent changes are coming for wills. Many states have begun to pass legislation that will result in the introduction of electronic wills, which combine the formality of traditional wills in a digital format. Written using an electronic device, these devices are then electronically signed and validated by the creator.  It is important to understand that […]

Most of us have an elderly family member that we cherish. That also means we worry about our loved one. One common source of that worry is the risk of a fall. The elderly, after all, are particularly susceptible to falling and are more likely to be seriously injured if they do fall. To help […]

If your children are younger than the age of age, it is worth considering how you would like to pass on your assets. Because trusts are growing in popularity, this article reviews some of the important issues that you must consider if you are considering creating a trust for your children. # 1 – There […]

If you are navigating a divorce or recently lost a loved one, you might find yourself going through several complex estate planning documents. You might discover that you now have interests in one or several trusts. While you might have established a trust with a spouse to take care of children after your death or […]

Approximately 70 percent of Americans over the age of 65 will need some level of long-term care services in their lifetime with 40 percent needing care in a nursing home. If you find yourself, or someone you love, in need of long-term care, it is important to also understand the rules and regulations that apply […]

Many people think that estate planning is a once and done process. In actuality, it is critical to constantly revise the terms of your estate plan. Not only can changes in your own life impact the terms of your trust,  but estate planning law also changes frequently.  Each year, numerous cases influence nuances in estate […]

Deciding to get divorced presents several considerations. While things like what will happen to your children as well as where you will live are likely at the front of your mind, estate planning is likely something that you have not yet begun to consider.  It is a good idea to both review and update your […]

When you create an estate plan, that plan should accomplish a number of inter-related goals. One of those goals should focus on tax avoidance. After all, no one wants to lose a significant portion of their estate to Uncle Sam. One common mistake you should avoid, however, is to rely too heavily on the marital […]

Medicare is a federally funded health care program that most seniors rely on to cover the costs associated with health care services. Understanding the rules and procedures of the Medicare program, however, can be frustrating for seniors. Now there is an app that can help. An Indianapolis elder law attorney at Frank & Kraft explains […]

If you’ve had a 401(k) for some time, you’re aware that each year many factors influence the value of contributions. 2020 is shaping up to be a great year to make contributions to a 401(k) plan. The Internal Revenue Service recently announced its 2020 limits for plan contributions. Not only must employers make sure to […]

For many decades, discovering that a relative or loved one had passed away and left you something was only a good thing. Due to taxes and complications with real estate, however, it has become common for people to be hesitant if you find out that you’re someone’s beneficiary.  This presents the question of how to […]

An inheritance can come in many forms. One of the assets that is frequently passed down to loved ones is an IRA or 401(k) account. If you recently inherited one of these accounts, you need to understand the rules and the tax consequences that go along with your inheritance. Toward that end, an Indianapolis estate […]

The state of New Jersey recently passed the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill (MAID) Act. This law permits physicians to assist in the suicide of terminally ill patients following three requests by the patient to do so. To achieve physician assistance, one of the requests must be in writing. Following verification by […]

When an elderly family member (or loved one) reaches a point at which care is necessary, most of us want to be the one to provide that care. If you happen to live far away, however, caring for your loved one can be challenging. With planning and vigilance, it is possible to be a long-distance […]

Many people are surprised by just how extensive their digital presence is. This digital life must be integrated into a person’s estate plans. If you fail to consider your digital life while estate planning, your heirs are likely to face many challenges including anxiety and additional costs. Today, your estate plan is not complete unless […]