202004.14
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A Last Will & Testament is Not Enough

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…

201903.12
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Reverse mortgages – the good, bad and the ugly

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…

201601.29
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Elder Law Attorneys – Who are They and Do You Need One?

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…

201601.11
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Tips for Downsizing Seniors

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…

201510.13
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Long-Term Care Insurance

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…

201507.23
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Miller attends seminar

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…

201505.22
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Create a Formal Contract When Paying Relatives for Elder Care

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…

201504.28
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Why Create a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Decisions?

The Missouri Durable Power of Attorney Law is set forth in Chapter 404.700 through 404.735 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.  A power of attorney is a legal document wherein you voluntarily, and with informed consent, and in the presence of witnesses, give another person powers to address your property and finances.  Although you may select multiple parties to…

201504.17
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Attorney, Todd Miller speaks at 2015 Financial Expo

Jefferson City, Missouri attorney, Todd Miller will speak at a FREE event at the Lake next Saturday 4/25/15. 2015 Financial Expo at Columbia College, 900 College Blvd., Osage Beach, MO 65065. Speakers include Todd Miller, Law Office of Todd Miller; Eldon Becker, CPA, Evers & Company; Keith Taylor, CPA, Evers & Company; Bill LaCasse, SRG…

201502.17
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“Gray Divorce” in Missouri

Seniors are not immune to the collapsing state of marriage in America.  According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, the divorce rate for couples over 50 doubled from 1990-2009.  While some experts think that the trend is because of our growing cultural acceptance of divorce, still others…