AL Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog

Have you considered what happens to your online accounts and digital possessions when you are no longer able to manage them?

In today's digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with the online world. From cherished family photos stored in the cloud to financial accounts managed entirely online, these digital assets hold significant personal and monetary value. However, many individuals overlook incorporating these assets into their Alabama estate plans, potentially leaving their loved ones without access or guidance during critical times.

In Alabama, the importance of addressing digital assets in estate planning has been recognized through the adoption of the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA). This legislation provides a legal framework for fiduciaries to access and manage digital assets after death or incapacity, ensuring that your online legacy is handled according to your wishes.
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Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family, but too many people put it off or make costly mistakes that can lead to unnecessary stress, delays, and financial loss. The reality is that estate planning is about more than just having a last will and testament—it’s about ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are taken care of when the time comes.

At Alabama Elder Law Center, we have seen how common estate planning mistakes can create avoidable legal battles, unexpected expenses, and unintended consequences. The good news is that these mistakes can be prevented with proper planning. Let’s go over five of the most costly estate planning mistakes and how you can avoid them.
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When someone you love is living with multiple sclerosis or another disability, planning for their future can feel overwhelming. You want to make sure they have access to the care they need, protect their financial future, and ensure that any benefits they rely on remain intact. But where do you start?

March is National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about long-term security for your loved one. Estate planning isn’t just about having a will—it’s about putting legal tools in place that provide protection, financial stability, and peace of mind. Alabama families who have loved ones with disabilities often face tough questions about how to plan ahead without jeopardizing Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other critical resources.
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Have you recently experienced a divorce later in life, often referred to as a "gray divorce"? Divorce at any stage of life brings challenges, but when it happens after decades of marriage, it can have a significant impact on your Alabama estate plan. Updating your legal and financial arrangements is a critical step to ensure your wishes are carried out and your assets are protected.

A gray divorce can alter many aspects of your life, including your estate plan. Without updating these essential tools, your ex-spouse could unintentionally remain listed as a beneficiary or retain decision-making authority in key areas. Let’s discuss how a divorce can impact your estate plan and why it is important to make the necessary updates.
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Have you or a loved one ever encountered someone online who seemed too good to be true? With the rise of digital communication, romance scams are becoming more common, and Older Americans are often the primary targets. Scammers prey on vulnerability, loneliness, and trust, making seniors particularly susceptible to their schemes. Knowing how to spot the warning signs and take preventive measures is essential for protecting yourself and your family.

Romance scams typically involve someone establishing a seemingly genuine relationship with their victim online, often through social media platforms or dating websites. Once trust is built, the scammer will often ask for financial help, claiming emergencies, medical bills, or even travel costs to meet in person.

Were you aware that the recent changes to the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing requirements are bringing significant implications for business owners and estate planners alike? With stricter reporting standards and enhanced transparency goals, these changes aim to curb illicit activities like money laundering and tax evasion. They also introduce new responsibilities for legitimate businesses, especially those operating as small entities or family-owned companies. For Alabama business owners who are thinking about not only their business but their legacy, understanding these updates is not just about compliance but also about safeguarding your assets and ensuring your Alabama estate plan remains effective.

Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting out, these new BOI requirements could directly impact the way you structure your business and manage your estate.
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Are you confident that your Alabama estate plan covers all the critical tools it should? Whether you are crafting an estate plan for the first time or revisiting an old one, knowing what should be included is crucial for ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

But, where should you start? Your Alabama estate planning is about more than just drafting a last will and testament; it is about creating a roadmap for you and your family’s future. From healthcare planning tools to durable powers of attorney, each piece of your plan serves a specific purpose. When you choose to work with an experienced Alabama estate planning attorney they can show you that just by including these essential documents, you can create a comprehensive estate plan that leaves no room for uncertainty.

A solid estate plan does not only plan for the end of your life, but also protects you during it.

The holiday season is a time for generosity, and what better way to share your wealth than through thoughtful gifts that also offer potential tax benefits? Whether you are considering helping a family member with education costs, contributing to a trust, or making charitable donations, smart gifting can align with your financial goals and estate plan. But it is important to ensure your generosity is done within the guidelines of current tax laws to maximize its impact.

At the Alabama Elder Law Center, we love helping families navigate the nuances of holiday gifting. One key strategy to consider is using your annual gift tax exclusion. For 2024, you can gift up to $17,000 per recipient without incurring a gift tax or needing to file a gift tax return.
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Is your family gathering for Thanksgiving this year, either in person or just over the phone? We find that Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity for families to gather, connect, and focus on what matters most. While the holiday season is often filled with joy and tradition, it is also an ideal time to check in on the well-being of our loved ones, especially when it comes to planning for the future. For many families in Alabama, a Thanksgiving gathering provides a rare chance to have meaningful conversations about estate planning, health care wishes, and long-term care.

Slowing down to assess how our parents, grandparents, and other family members are doing can reveal whether adjustments need to be made to existing plans, or if a crisis is looming that needs attention. Let us share just a few important topics to consider discussing with your loved ones this Thanksgiving to ensure everyone’s peace of mind and security in the years to come that we share with our clients, friends, and community.
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Have you recently learned that a loved one has Alzheimer’s? We know that learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease can be a profound and emotional moment. This diagnosis brings many questions and uncertainties, as well as the need for careful planning and compassionate support. For families in Alabama, understanding the immediate steps to take can ease the transition and help protect your aging loved one’s future. With early preparation and support, you can create a path forward that ensures the well-being of your loved one.

As an experienced estate planning and elder law firm in Alabama, we have worked with numerous families navigating an  Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one.
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