This article is written with senior adults, their family members, and their loved ones in mind because the signs of elder abuse are difficult to detect by the senior adult and even more difficult to detect by their loved ones and family members who have limited access or infrequent contact with the senior adult. A…
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy, 1789. Benjamin Franklin was correct. Death is inevitable for all of us. As a result, each Missourian should…
The establishment of a solid estate planning package is essential, even for the rich and famous. Although adored by fans and showered with swag at ceremonies like the Oscars, celebrities as a whole seem no different than the average American when it comes to making estate planning mistakes. Just like many people who lack celebrity…
Our law firm regularly receives inquiries from potential clients asking for a “simple Will” and how much they cost. While I never discount why people call and ask for an inexpensive solution to their estate planning problems, and I always appreciate their desire to establish a Will using our law firm, the question is analogous…
Congratulations seniors, these are your Golden Years. Your Social Security check exceeds your expenses and your children are all doctors and lawyers who never ask for handouts and seem terribly happy with their lives. You have very few wrinkles and a head full of dark hair. Your home continues to appreciate annually and your mortgage…
Who Are They? In its 2015 National Lawyer Population by State report, the American Bar Association indicated there were 25,337 attorneys in Missouri. Before you think that indicates we have more than enough attorneys, please note the ABA also reported that 11,656 of those attorneys are “Idle Attorneys” or those who are licensed and on…
For some well-prepared seniors, downsizing is an inevitable part of life that they planned for long ago. Those parties may relish the idea of selling most of their belongings to seek out warmer climates or senior housing options where meals are prepared, lawns are maintained, and similarly aged friends are readily available for games and…
Long-Term Care Insurance, (hereinafter, “LTCI”), is thought by many professionals to be an important component of a well-designed financial plan. Like other insurance, it is purported to insure you against certain events; more specifically, the depletion of retirement savings and income, and the loss of choice and independent decision making when long-term illness or disability…
Todd Miller attended a 3-hour GAL educational seminar in Jefferson City, MO recently. This course is mandatory review for all attorneys serving as guardian ad litems in Mid-Missouri courts. “Guardians ad litem have extensive power and responsibility. Their duties are greatest in cases involving children, where they investigate, attend to the child’s emotional and legal…
According to the State of Missouri’s Office of Administration, our state’s elderly population has increased more consistently and proportionately than any other age group. While Missouri residents age 65 and over represented only 10% of the population in 1950, by 2030 the Office of Administration predicts their numbers will represent more than 20% of all…
