Garland Law Offices, P.A.

Are You Forgetting this Estate Planning Document?

“Estate planning is a complex world for most Americans. For many, the process can seem overwhelming and expensive. For others, it is uncomfortable to confront one’s mortality and requires tough decision making. However, regardless of one’s feeling on estate planning, there is one estate planning document that all Americans should have: A Health Care Directive.”

Forbes’ recent article, “Two-Thirds Of All Americans Are Missing This Estate Planning Document,” explains that a health care directive is a legal document in which an individual writes down his decisions for caregivers in the event of illness or dementia and makes instructions about end of life decisions. It can also provide guidance on how caregivers should handle the body after death.

Health care directives are also called living wills, durable health care powers of attorney, or medical directives, but they all serve the same function, which is to provide guidance and direction on how a person’s medical and death decisions should be made.

Despite the importance of a health care directive, a 2017 study found that only 33% of all Americans have one.

A critical decision in a health care directive is selecting an agent. This is a proxy who acts on your behalf to make decisions that are consistent with your wishes. It’s important to pick an individual whose values are aligned with yours. This is your advocate on decisions, like if you want to have treatment continued or just be kept comfortable in palliative care.

Once you choose an agent, review your directive with her. This will give her guidance if and when the need for her to step in arises.

The agent’s role in the health care directive doesn’t end at death but continues to ensure that your post-mortem wishes are carried out. When the person dies, the agent takes control of the body. Prior to funeral plans, the agent must make certain that any organ donation wishes are carried out. This decision is usually shown on a person’s driver’s license, but it’s also re-stated in the health care directive.

After the donation wishes are carried out, the agent helps to make sure funeral wishes are handled properly. These instructions can be detailed in the health care directive.

With a health care directive put in place, you make things easier for your family and loved ones.

Reference: Forbes (December 13, 2019) “Two-Thirds Of All Americans Are Missing This Estate Planning Document”

What Estate Planning Documents Does My Child Need Now That She’s an Adult?

“Parents may be surprised to learn that without some specific documents in place, they will no longer be able to obtain information or help their loved one should they be in an accident or other situation, where they can’t advocate for themselves.”

Your child may graduate from high school and head off to college or start a full-time job or vocational training program.

Although they’re still your children, the law sees them as are adults. As a result, parents’ “rights” to protect their adult children or make decisions for them immediately becomes quite limited.

The Tewksbury Town Crier’s recent article, “Is your child turning 18? Here’s what you need to know,” explains that people often have an estate planning attorney draft the appropriate documents, so they will be legal and binding. Let’s look at a list of documents to consider and discuss with your young adult:

• HIPAA Authorization: if your 18-year-old has a job in another state or will be attending college and needs medical records or assistance making appointments, ask her to go to the doctor’s and dentist’s office and sign forms that designate agents to act on her behalf. Due to HIPAA laws, information can’t be released without the adult child’s permission.
• Healthcare Proxy: Have your 18-year old complete this document, make a copy, put a copy on each parent or guardian’s phone and put a copy on your child’s phone. This is for an emergency, like when the child can’t speak for herself. However, don’t wait for an emergency. If your child is at college, the school will only contact you as the emergency contact, but the proxy is between you and the hospital and includes mental health issues. A healthcare proxy lets you to participate in life and death decisions, should your child not be able to advocate for herself.
• Durable Power of Attorney: A general durable power of attorney or financial power of attorney must also be signed by the 18-year old, designating his parents, guardians, or others as agents authorized to act on his behalf. This allows the agent access to financial information, so that he can participate in the financial issues with a university or business in the event that the child cannot.
• FERPA: This is an educational records release, which allows the educational institution to share grades, transcripts and other related materials with parents or designated agents. Without it, the school will not provide you with access to any information.

Finally, encourage your young adult family member to register to vote.

Reference: Tewksbury Town Crier (December 8, 2019) “Is your child turning 18? Here’s what you need to know”

What Are My Estate Planning “Must Have’s”?

“Estate planning is not only for the wealthy—everybody can benefit from ensuring their assets and finances are properly taken care of after their death.”

Many people think that having an estate plan just means drafting a will or a trust. However, there’s much more to include in your estate planning to be sure all of your assets are transferred directly to your heirs at your death. A successful estate plan also includes provisions allowing your family members to access or control your assets, if you become incapacitated.

Investopedia’s recent article, “6 Estate Planning Must-Haves,” provides us with a list of items every estate plan should include:

• A will and/or a trust;
• Powers of attorney;
• Beneficiary designations;
• A letter of intent; and
• Guardianship designations.

In addition to these documents and designations, a thorough estate plan also should consider the purchase of insurance, like long-term care insurance, a lifetime annuity to generate some level of income until death and life insurance to pass money to beneficiaries without probate.

Let's look at each item on this checklist to make sure you haven't left any decisions to chance.

Wills and Trusts. A will or trust should be one of the primary parts of your estate plan, even if you don't have a lot of assets. Wills make certain that your assets are distributed according to your instructions. Some trusts also help limit estate taxes or legal challenges. Talk to an experienced estate planning attorney about wills and trusts.

Power Of Attorney. A durable power of attorney (POA) allows an agent or a person you assign to act on your behalf, if you’re unable to do so yourself. A healthcare power of attorney (HCPA) designates another person to make critical healthcare decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacity.

Beneficiary Designations. Some of your assets will pass to your heirs without being mentioned in your will, such as 401(k) plan assets. Therefore, maintain a beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary on these types of accounts. Likewise, insurance plans should have a beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary, because they also pass outside of a will. Your beneficiaries should be over 21 and mentally competent.

Letter of Intent. This is simply a document for your executor or a beneficiary to define what you want done with a particular asset after your death or incapacitation. Some letters of intent also contain funeral details and other special requests. A letter of intent isn’t legally binding. It helps inform a probate judge of your intentions and may help in the distribution of your assets, if the will is declared invalid for some reason.

Guardians. If you have minor children or are considering having kids, naming a guardian is very important. Be sure the person(s) shares your views, is financially sound and willing to raise your children. You should also name a backup or contingent guardian.

Without these designations, a court could order your children to live with a family member you wouldn't have selected, or in some instances, the court could instruct that your children become wards of the state.

A will is a great place to start, but it's only the starting point.

Reference: Investopedia (July 16, 2019) “6 Estate Planning Must-Haves”

What Will Happen to Jeffrey Epstein’s Estate?

“Two days before he died in what was ruled a suicide in a Manhattan jail cell, Jeffrey Epstein signed a will that put all of his holdings into a trust.”

Jeffrey Epstein’s will was filed in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a "pour-over will" that transfers all of his assets into a trust. The trust is secret, not open to the public, and is administered by trustees. Epstein's will, which is a public document, claimed assets of more than $577 million.

However, none of that money can be moved into Epstein's trust until a probate court decides what to do with the numerous claims made against the convicted sex offender and his estate.

CBS News’ recent article, “What we know about Jeffrey Epstein's will, and what happens next with his estate,” provides a list of questions that can help explain what happens next with Epstein's estate. His estate will be overseen by the two executors named in the will, attorneys Darren K. Indyke and Richard D. Kahn.

The terms of the trust are not public, because they’re not part of the will itself. Epstein's creation of the trust is commonly done by those who desire privacy. Of course, there is some surprise because the will and the trust were created just two days before he died. One of the most intriguing parts of Epstein's will is that it lists his domicile (his permanent residence) as the U.S. Virgin Islands. Domicile is important in determining which jurisdiction controls the estate. Domicile must be proven in a probate court, and is usually accomplished with tax returns, a driver’s license, or documented time spent in the jurisdiction.

Another question about Epstein's will, is whether it will even be declared valid. His will, and thus his entire trust, can be held invalid, if the will wasn’t properly executed and if it wasn't properly witnessed or signed. There can’t be any fraud, undue influence, or duress. Since the will was made right before his suicide, there’s no certainty of his mental capacity.

His testamentary capacity, which means his mental ability make a valid will or estate, will probably be decided by a probate judge. If his estate planning documents are voided, the assets would transfer to the beneficiary of the estate, which is his brother Mark Epstein. However, Mark would still be liable for creditors' claims and any alleged victims' lawsuits.

Epstein's $577 million in assets will not pass from his estate into his private trust, until all creditors' claims have been satisfied in a probate court.

Legal experts expect a long, drawn-out, and complex process for deciding the future of Epstein's wealth.

Reference: CBS News (August 21, 2019) “What we know about Jeffrey Epstein's will, and what happens next with his estate”

How Do I Plan My Estate With a Disabled Child?

“As our children with disabilities grow older, and we ourselves grow older, the future can seem daunting. The future can be overwhelming. Taking steps to plan for the future can seem way too complicated, especially when you don’t know where to start.”

Yahoo News’ recent article, “4 Tips for Estate Planning When Your Child Has a Disability” gives us four simple steps to take, if you have children with disabilities.

1. Draft a letter of intent. This is a letter of instruction that includes instructions that your family and friends will need, if you die or for any reason become incapacitated. This letter should list the passwords to your online financial accounts and personal information someone would need to efficiently step into your life, your home and care for child with a disability. It can include medications, daily routine, strategies you use for calming, therapists’ contact info and other daily living items someone not living in your home may not know about your life.
2. See an estate planning lawyer. Ask an attorney to help you build a vision for what you want your child’s future to look like. Have the attorney create a will and a special needs trust. A special needs trust lets you to distribute funds and property in a way that doesn’t interfere with government program benefits.
3. Create a power of attorney or guardianship. A power of attorney for financial and medical issues may be a viable solution. Supported decision-making is an alternative that empowers those with intellectual disabilities to make choices with support and while preserving their rights. If guardianship is your objective, talk to an attorney before your child reaches age 17.
4. Create an ABLE account. This account can hold funds to ensure your child’s regular account never has more than $2000, which would jeopardize government program benefits, like Medicaid.

This may seem like a gigantic task, so take it one step at a time. Do one thing at a time. Begin the process with the letter of intent and think about the vision you have for your child. Then speak with an estate planning attorney, who is experienced in helping special needs families.

Reference: Yahoo News (August 26, 2019) “4 Tips for Estate Planning When Your Child Has a Disability”

When Do I Need a Power of Attorney?

“In the absence of a durable power of attorney, who has the right to sign for an incapacitated person?”

Without a valid durable power of attorney, the answer really depends on what documents need to be signed.

A power of attorney is a legal document signed by the “Principal,” granting the authority to another individual to make decisions on the Principal’s behalf. This document is only in effect during the lifetime of the Principal.

nj.com’s recent article on this topic asks “Who can sign for an incapacitated person if there’s no power of attorney?” The article noted that to have the authority to conduct financial transactions concerning the assets solely owned by the incapacitated person who failed to execute a power of attorney, a guardian will have to be appointed by the court.

A guardianship is a legal relationship established by the court, in which an individual is given legal authority over another when that person is unable to make safe and sound decisions regarding his or her person, or property.

For example, in New Jersey, an application will have to be filed in the probate part of the Superior Court, in the county where the incapacitated person resides.

If it’s not an emergency, a guardian also will need to be appointed to make medical decisions for an incapacitated person who hasn’t signed a health care proxy. This is a legal document that gives an agent the authority to make health care decisions for an incapacitated person. It will take effect, if the person is incapacitated or unable to communicate. The agent will make decisions that reflect the wishes of the incapacitated individual.

It’s typically not necessary to be appointed as an agent under a power of attorney or health care proxy or legal guardian for another person to sign an assisted living or nursing home admissions contract or a Medicaid application.

However, prior to signing another person’s admissions contract, read the fine print to be certain that you don’t become responsible for the bills!

Reference: nj.com (July 22, 2019) “Who can sign for an incapacitated person if there’s no power of attorney?”

Can I Insulate My Will From Challenges After I’m Gone?

“You’ve probably seen it in the movies or on TV hundreds of times: A close-knit family gathers for the reading of the will of a wealthy patriarch or matriarch. When the terms are revealed, someone benefits at the expense of someone else, causing a ruckus. It may even come to blows.”

When the details of a will are announced, “bad blood” can continue to boil between estranged family members, who won’t even speak to one another.

Wealth Advisor’s recent article, “How to Protect Your Will From Legal Challenges,” explains that unfortunately, a similar scene can also play out in real life, if you fail to make proper provisions.

However, with some planning, you can avoid these kinds of disputes—or at least minimize the risk of your will being contested by your loved ones.

Before you (and your spouse, if married) consider your will and your comprehensive estate plan, discuss estate matters with close family members who likely will be impacted. Give them a rough outline of your plans for the disposition of your assets and other important topics. These types of conversations can eliminate potential problems and better prepare your heirs. It will also avoid a dramatic “shocker,” like those seen on the big and small screen.

While there are no guarantees, review these ways to bulletproof your will from a legal challenge:

A no-contest clause. This is also known as an “in terrorem clause.” It says that if anyone named in your will challenges it, he or she is excluded from your estate.

Witnesses. Use witnesses who know you well, like close friends or business associates because they can state convincingly that you were of sound mind when you made out the will. You should also select witnesses in good health, preferably younger than you are, and easily located. You can also add extra witnesses for more protection.

A physician’s note. A doctor’s note about your health status is recommended, if you’re extremely ill or elderly. This can declare that you have the requisite mental capacity to make estate planning decisions, which can be useful in addressing legal challenges. Get the physician’s note near to the time that the will is signed.

In addition, you can protect your will from legal challenges, by recording it. State laws may have something to say about this, so speak with your estate planning attorney.

Reference: Wealth Advisor (August 12, 2019) “How to Protect Your Will From Legal Challenges”

Is it Worth it to Contest a Will?

You never expected your mother to leave you a fortune, but you thought that she’d leave you something when she passed. Did a sneaky cousin have something to do with it? What do you do now?

If it helps, and it might not, this happens more frequently than you’d think. The response is sometimes shock, other times, it’s anger. However, according to this recent article from Forbes, “5 Things You Should Know About Contesting A Will,” before you start making revenge plans or hiring the most tenacious attorney in town, take a deep breath. You need to consider some cold hard facts:

1. Litigation is expensive. Many people will ask if an attorney will take the case on a contingency fee basis—typically a third of what you receive, and he or she only gets paid if you do. Most probate attorney won’t take a will contest on a contingency fee, because there’s a risk they won’t get paid. If they do, be certain that you have an experienced estate planning attorney with experience in estate battles.
2. Have lots of Rolaids on hand. You’re gonna need them. It’s a rough journey, one that can be full of lies, misrepresentations and accusations. There may also be a counter lawsuit against you. You’ll probably be deposed in a deposition, where the opposing lawyer will ask you questions about the case. You may be portrayed as greedy, and you might have to testify in court.
3. Snap decisions are required. Once you hire your attorney, he or she will work with you to develop a strategy for the case. Your attorney may recommend that you file suit immediately and be the first one into the courthouse. On the other hand, your counsel may think it best to send a letter to the attorney representing the person you’re suing with a request for information. Depending the response, you may decide to file suit. In most cases, you’ll have a limited time to contest the will. If you don’t do so within that time period, you can’t bring a lawsuit. Talk to an experienced attorney shortly after the death.
4. You’ll probably reach a settlement. Once the litigation has begun, and the attorneys have had time to exchange information and do some fact finding (in what is known as the discovery process), your attorney will talk to you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. It may be appropriate at that juncture for one side to present the other with a settlement offer. This would end the litigation without the time and expense of trial. This may be a wise option, if you’re tired of fighting and willing to consider a settlement instead of going to trial. Your attorney may also point out weaknesses in your case and advise you to be happy with getting a settlement. That way you can move on with your life. You should approach the settlement like a business decision, and try to keep emotion out of it.
5. Expect emotional pain. While you may get some satisfaction if you win, you will may lose any connection with the people you bring to court. If you lose, well, that’s a lose-lose proposition. No matter how big the win, any underlying emotional issues will still be with you. Be prepared to be very businesslike about any estate battle.

Reference: Forbes (May 21, 2018) “5 Things You Should Know About Contesting A Will”

Why Do Singles Need These Two Estate Planning Tools?

“As it turns out, though, living wills and durable power of attorney for healthcare are two things that single people might especially want to give some thought to.”

Morningstar’s article, “2 Estate-Planning Tools That Singles Should Consider” explains that a living will, or advance medical directive, is a legal document that details your wishes for life-sustaining treatment. It's a document that you sign when you're of sound mind and says you want to be removed from life supporting measures, if you become terminally ill and incapacitated.

If you’re on life support with no chance of getting better, you’d choose to have your family avoid the expense and stress of keeping you alive artificially.

Like a living will, a durable power of attorney for healthcare is a legal document that names an agent to make healthcare decisions for you, if you are unable to make them yourself.

A durable power of attorney for healthcare can provide your instructions in circumstances in which you’re not necessarily terminally ill, but you are incapacitated.

When selecting an agent, find a person you trust enough to act on your behalf when you’re unable. Let this person know exactly how you feel about blood transfusions, organ transplants, disclosure of your medical information and other sensitive topics that may arise, if you’re incapacitated.

A power of attorney eliminates any confusion, especially if this person is someone other than your spouse. Your doctors will know exactly who the decision-maker is among your relatives and friends.

These two documents aren't all that comprise a fully comprehensive estate plan. Singles should regularly make certain that the beneficiary designations on their checking and retirement accounts are up to date.

You should also consider your life insurance needs, especially if you have children and/or a mortgage.

It is also important to understand that a living will doesn’t address the issues of a will. A will ensures that your property is distributed after your death, in accordance with your wishes. Ask for help from an experienced estate planning attorney.

These two documents—a living will and a durable power of attorney—can help ensure that in a healthcare emergency, any medical and financial decisions made on your behalf are in accordance with what you really want. Speak with to an estate-planning attorney in your state to get definitive answers to your questions.

Reference: Morningstar (April 23, 2019) “2 Estate-Planning Tools That Singles Should Consider”

What Are the Five “Must Have” Estate Planning Documents?

“It's important to have certain binding legal documents in place, if you become disabled due to an illness or accident. These aren't easy things to talk about, but attorneys say every adult needs them.”

WTHR 13’s recent article, “The 5 legal documents every adult should have” lists the five key documents involved in estate planning.

1. General Durable Power of Attorney. This document states who you want to make decisions, if you’re unable to do so for yourself. Without it, your family may have to petition the courts to become your legal guardian, which can be time consuming and expensive. A power of attorney allows the person whom you select, to pay your mortgage or rent and your bills.
2. Health Care Power of Attorney. This document plans for the situation, if you are unable to make your own health care decisions. You name someone you trust, like family members or friends, to do this on your behalf.
3. Will. This says that when you pass away, here's what I want to happen. A will states who will get your assets after your death. If you don’t have a valid will in place, the state laws of intestacy will govern what will happen to your estate—which may not be what you want.
4. Living Will. This is the document in which you state your instructions for end-of-life care, such as life support. This document is used to make certain that your family and physicians know what you want your end-of-life care to be. A living will is much different than a will.
5. Revocable Living Trust. This document can be important, if you're a parent with young children and would like your assets passed down properly to your children, if you die. Typically, if children are under 18 or 21, they're legally minors and can't receive assets. A trust can help coordinate their receiving your property.

An experienced estate planning attorney can help you with the creation of these documents, while creating an overall plan so that your wishes are followed, your legacy is protected and your family is secure.

Reference: WTHR 13 (April 17, 2019) “The 5 legal documents every adult should have”