Planning for Everyone You Love and Everything You Have
Do you know what would happen legally- to you, your loved ones, your money and everything else you care about - if something unexpected happened to you?
If of you have an estate plan and it's out of date, your assets could be lost to the State Department Unclaimed Property, or to an unnecessary Court process.
If you don't know exactly what would happen for everyone you love and everything you own, then the first step is to find out exactly what would happen, legally and financially, so that you can decide if the current state of your affairs is okay with you.
If of you have an estate plan and it's out of date, your assets could be lost to the State Department Unclaimed Property, or to an unnecessary Court process.
If you don't know exactly what would happen for everyone you love and everything you own, then the first step is to find out exactly what would happen, legally and financially, so that you can decide if the current state of your affairs is okay with you.
How Do We Help You With Estate Planning?
We conduct a Family Wealth Planning Session, where we spend time together and you'll get informed. Before your Family Wealth Planning Session, you will complete a Family Wealth Inventory and Assessment, which will help you to get.
How We Are Different
Explaining to you how we're different:
Explaining to you how we're different requires an explanation of what the "traditional" experience with a lawyer is like. If you've worked with a lawyer to prepare estate planning documents for you in the past, this will sound familiar.
During the traditional experience, you'll go in and meet with a lawyer who will oftentimes make things seem very complicated and confusing.
You'll have a good idea if your lawyer is smart and seems to know what they are doing, so you'll nod and answer questions, as if you understand everything. Because you want to do the right thing for your family, you'll have the lawyer prepare documents for you and you'll sign the documents, feeling relieved you got THAT taken care of.
You'll take your fancy estate planning binder full of documents home, stick it on a shelf or in a drawer, mark estate planning off your checklist as DONE, feel good and never think about it again.
SCHEDULE ONLINE
Hey, congratulations, I’m assuming you made it to this page because you want to talk with us about how you can keep your family out of court or out of conflict when something happens to you. Or maybe you are the family member or the close friend of a loved one, and something has happened and now you need advice. If so, our hearts are with you, and we will do our best to help you keep things as easeful as possible.
THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS FOR YOU TO GET OUR SUPPORT.
CHOSE THE ONE THAT'S BEST FOR YOU:
- 1. Schedule free-15-Minute Phone Conversation. Have a question or want to get started with a Will or Trust? We are here to help. Book your complimentary consultation with Nancy today.
- 2. Schedule 2-Hour Family Wealth Planning Session. We will identify the best ways for you to ensure your legacy of love and financial security for your family.
- 3. Schedule 2 - Hour Existing Estate Plan Review We will discuss your current needs and decide if your existing estate plan does what you want it to.
Did you know that 69% of parents have not yet named guardians for their kids?
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
Did you know that 69% of parents have not yet named guardians for their kids?
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
Did you know that 69% of parents have not yet named guardians for their kids?
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
Most Estate planning attorney’s take a “one-size fits all” approach with their clients; they do this so that they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time. The problem is that the client has an impersonal experience; but worse than that, this way of planning can lead to unintended results in the long run for the family.
WHAT IS A KIDS PROTECTION PLAN
A Kids Protection Plan" is a set of instructions, legal documents and even an ID card for your wallet, which you need to have if you have kids at home who count on you for their well-being and care.
If you are in an accident, your Kids Protection Plan" will make sure your children are never taken into the custody of Child Protective Services, strangers or the care of anyone you wouldn't want because the authorities don't have clear instructions from you. And your Kids Protection Plan will ensure your children are raised by people you choose, not someone chosen by a Judge who doesn't know you.
If you are in an accident, your Kids Protection Plan" will make sure your children are never taken into the custody of Child Protective Services, strangers or the care of anyone you wouldn't want because the authorities don't have clear instructions from you. And your Kids Protection Plan will ensure your children are raised by people you choose, not someone chosen by a Judge who doesn't know you.
To get started with your Kids Protection Plan*, contact us
In 10 minutes, this FREE website will help you protect your kids if something unthinkable happens to you prior to creating your formal estate plan. This is the first step to ensuring your kids are raised by the people you want, in the way you want, no matter what.
GUARDIANSHIP/NAMING LEGAL GUARDIANS FOR MINOR CHILDREN
69% of parents have not yet named legal guardians for their children. Of the 31% who have, most have made one of 6 common mistakes. That means that if you have minor children at home (or children who have special needs), it's time to review your plan for their care, if and when something happens to you. Begin here with our report on the 6 common mistakes parents make when naming legal guardians for their kids and how you can fix them now.
Then, consider taking the very first step that every parent must have in place (no matter whether you have $1 or $10 million), and name legal guardians for your children for the long-term here.
Finally, if you have not already read the book Wear Clean Underwear, it's the best-selling book on legal planning for parents and it's a must-read. You can get a copy of it with my compliments for free here.
If you and your spouse/partner cannot agree on who would be the ideal guardian(s) for your kids, that's something we can help with. We have special training from the Family Wealth Planning Institute on helping parents work through this critical decision. If you do nothing, the decision about who would raise your children (if something were to happen to you) would be left up to a judge to decide.
A judge who doesn't know you, doesn't know what's important to you, and doesn't know your children will make all the decisions about who cares for the people who are most important to you in the world.
Then, consider taking the very first step that every parent must have in place (no matter whether you have $1 or $10 million), and name legal guardians for your children for the long-term here.
Finally, if you have not already read the book Wear Clean Underwear, it's the best-selling book on legal planning for parents and it's a must-read. You can get a copy of it with my compliments for free here.
If you and your spouse/partner cannot agree on who would be the ideal guardian(s) for your kids, that's something we can help with. We have special training from the Family Wealth Planning Institute on helping parents work through this critical decision. If you do nothing, the decision about who would raise your children (if something were to happen to you) would be left up to a judge to decide.
A judge who doesn't know you, doesn't know what's important to you, and doesn't know your children will make all the decisions about who cares for the people who are most important to you in the world.
We know that's not what you want.
And, truth is… there may never be a perfect solution for you, but there is definitely a solution that is better than your children being raised by someone you didn't choose.Perhaps you think the way so many parents do, "if we don't anticipate it, it will never happen, right?"
Then I guess that means you don't need things like insurance or any other type of protection since bad things never happen to good people, right? And wouldn't it be great if that were true.
And, truth is… there may never be a perfect solution for you, but there is definitely a solution that is better than your children being raised by someone you didn't choose.Perhaps you think the way so many parents do, "if we don't anticipate it, it will never happen, right?"
Then I guess that means you don't need things like insurance or any other type of protection since bad things never happen to good people, right? And wouldn't it be great if that were true.
Responsible parents protect their children, and that means you must think about the unthinkable
Fortunately, there is a sensible approach to the selection of a guardian for your children that makes it a lot easier. And we can guide you through this most important of decisions.
In addition, we will guide you to put in place a comprehensive Kids Protection Plan that will ensure you have handled all 7 Must-Dos when it comes to ensuring the well-being and care of your children by naming legal guardians for the long-term and for the short-term to protect your kids, no matter what.
ASSET PROTECTION PLANNING
Nobody expects to be sued. Just ask the 20 million people involved in lawsuits last year.
Divorce, inheritance, health issues, creditors, employees, theft, changing markets, malpractice suits, sexual harassment claims, natural disasters and disgruntled business partners are just a few issues that can result in devastating lawsuits for unprepared business owners. The highest level of risk falls on those who think they are immune.
Americans are now more concerned than ever about protecting their assets from creditor claims, taxes, divorce and other disasters. Rightly so.
The more success you have (especially in business, professional practice or real estate activities), the more at risk you are as others see your success grow.
How We Are Different
Explaining to you how we're different:
Explaining to you how we're different requires an explanation of what the "traditional" experience with a lawyer is like. If you've worked with a lawyer to prepare estate planning documents for you in the past, this will sound familiar.
During the traditional experience, you'll go in and meet with a lawyer who will oftentimes make things seem very complicated and confusing.
You'll have a good idea if your lawyer is smart and seems to know what they are doing, so you'll nod and answer questions, as if you understand everything. Because you want to do the right thing for your family, you'll have the lawyer prepare documents for you and you'll sign the documents, feeling relieved you got THAT taken care of.
You'll take your fancy estate planning binder full of documents home, stick it on a shelf or in a drawer, mark estate planning off your checklist as DONE, feel good and never think about it again.
OBTAINING ADULT GUARDIANSHIP
Although naming a guardian for a minor child involves a somewhat similar process, obtaining adult guardianship is vastly different, especially in terms of what the court requires as proof that guardianship is warranted. In fact, the process begins with the interested party filing a petition in court that requests the court declare the incapacitated person incompetent.
Sometimes, these filings are made "ex parte" (in secret), so a guardianship can be established before family and friends even know it's happening. Other times, guardianship filings can lead to heated disputes between family members and/or friends, who may claim they'd be better suited for the role.
Regardless of who files the petition, guardianship will only be granted if the court determines there's enough evidence to show the person is mentally incapacitated--to the point where they can no longer make legal, financial, and/or healthcare decisions for themselves. If guardianship is granted, the incapacitated person is known as the guardian's "ward."
Sometimes, these filings are made "ex parte" (in secret), so a guardianship can be established before family and friends even know it's happening. Other times, guardianship filings can lead to heated disputes between family members and/or friends, who may claim they'd be better suited for the role.
Regardless of who files the petition, guardianship will only be granted if the court determines there's enough evidence to show the person is mentally incapacitated--to the point where they can no longer make legal, financial, and/or healthcare decisions for themselves. If guardianship is granted, the incapacitated person is known as the guardian's "ward."
Although courts typically give preference to a spouse or another close family member, a guardian doesn’t have to be a relative. Provided the person is a competent adult, a close friend, or any other interested party can serve as long as they prove they’re best suited for the position.
If a relative or friend is not willing—or capable-of serving, the court will appoint a professional guardian or public guardian. Sadly, this can lead to horrible financial and/or physical abuse of the incapacitated, so it’s best to plan ahead and name a guardian in your estate planning documents to keep courts out of the picture entirely.
If a relative or friend is not willing—or capable-of serving, the court will appoint a professional guardian or public guardian. Sadly, this can lead to horrible financial and/or physical abuse of the incapacitated, so it’s best to plan ahead and name a guardian in your estate planning documents to keep courts out of the picture entirely.
- Obtain necessary medical care or services needed
- Make regular in-person visits to the individual
- Advocate for the individuals best interests
- Review health care, treatment, and supportive services records
- Make an annual report to the court or county Adult Protective Services Office
- Participate in Staff meetings
- Learn about risks and benefits of any proposed interventions
- Consult with healthcare providers and social services as needed
- Act in a way that is least restrictive relative to housing placement
- Identify and honor preference whenever possible.
The Guardian is NOT responsible to financially support or to provide direct care for their ward. The Guardian is to keep the ward’s best interests in mind, and act with diligence and care.
TRUSTED Connecticut GUARDIANSHIP ATTORNEYS
With the huge responsibility and loss of control that comes with guardianship, the process can often feel overwhelming. The best course of action is to use estate planning to name a preferred guardian ahead of time, so the family won't have to deal with a courtroom or lawyers in the first place. Unfortunately, that's not always how life works out, so if you need a reliable guardianship attorney, contact MEYER LAW today.
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING
Estate planning for a family with special needs children comes with a complex set of financial, social, and medical issues that some lawyers are ill-equipped to handle. But the experienced special needs planning attorneys with MEYER LAW are dedicated to ensuring your child with special needs will be well taken care of when you're no longer able to serve as the primary caregiver.
We offer a variety of estate planning tools and strategies designed to accommodate the unique circumstances presented by children with special needs and their families in /CONNECTICUT. We can help you pass on the financial assets needed for your child to live a rich quality of life without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. We'll also assist you in finding and appointing a trusted guardian and/or trustee to look after them in the event of your death or incapacity. And we'll help with locating the best residential opportunities-as well as the means to pay for them.
SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
One "Catch-22-like" situation surrounding estate planning for those with special needs is leaving enough money to pay for the massive amount of care and supports these individuals typically need throughout their lifetimes. Yet, if parents leave a large lump sum of money directly to a child with special needs, they risk disqualifying him or her for government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Social Security Income.
Fortunately, the government allows assets to be held in what's known as a "special needs trust" to provide supplemental financial resources for the physically, mentally, or developmentally disabled child without affecting their eligibility for public healthcare and income assistance benefits. That said, the rules for such trusts are quite complicated.
For instance, funds from a special needs trust cannot be distributed directly to the disabled beneficiary and must be disbursed to a third-party who's responsible for providing the goods and services they need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. What's more, the requirements for a child with special needs change dramatically over time, as do the laws governing public benefits.
Given this, it's vital to work with an experienced special needs attorney who can create a comprehensive special needs trust that's both properly structured and appropriate for your child's specific situation.
Fortunately, the government allows assets to be held in what's known as a "special needs trust" to provide supplemental financial resources for the physically, mentally, or developmentally disabled child without affecting their eligibility for public healthcare and income assistance benefits. That said, the rules for such trusts are quite complicated.
For instance, funds from a special needs trust cannot be distributed directly to the disabled beneficiary and must be disbursed to a third-party who's responsible for providing the goods and services they need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. What's more, the requirements for a child with special needs change dramatically over time, as do the laws governing public benefits.
Given this, it's vital to work with an experienced special needs attorney who can create a comprehensive special needs trust that's both properly structured and appropriate for your child's specific situation.
SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING & TRUSTS FOR CONNECTICUT CHILDREN
Contact MEYER LAWif you need estate planning for your child with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, or another developmental or intellectual disability. Our team ofexperienced Connecticut special needs planning lawyers can develop a sustainable living plan for your child with special needs that will provide them with the finances they need to live a full life, while preserving their access to government benefits.
