Why do online scammers and cyber criminals tend to target Older Americans when committing financial crimes? The reason why is because seniors are often vulnerable, have access to money, and are more easily fooled than younger adults who may have grown up using the internet. 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, are you thinking about how you will communicate these important words, “I Love You”, to your spouse and children?  We know the best way to communicate how we feel is to just say it and act with love on a daily basis. However, when thinking about the future, it can be a little more complicated.

The holidays are over, the New Year is here, and for most of us the time spent with family has ended. During your time with family, we hope you were able to speak to and spend time with your aging parents.

While speaking with your parents, did you discuss the future?  Did you notice if they had any substantial issues or impairments that were not there last year? Did they talk to you about any new diagnoses or changes to medications?  Finally, were you able to address concerns you, or they, may have about long-term care planning?

With the arrival of the new year and as the month of January gets underway, did you know many people in Alabama are focusing on how they will reach the resolutions they set?  What resolutions did you set? Did you focus on work or health or family or all three?

Are you planning to visit your parents during the holidays?  Are you hoping to discuss long-term care planning with them?  What exactly is long-term care planning?  The National Institute on Aging defines long-term care planning as steps to meet a person’s health or personal care needs during a long or short period of time. With the help of these services, people may be able to live as independently and safely as possible even though they can no longer perform everyday activities on their own.

Can you believe that in just a few short weeks, it will be 2022? The end of the year is quickly approaching. We realize that the pandemic continues to add a layer to everything but, for most of us, we are busy finalizing our end of the year plans, purchasing last minute holiday gifts, and making arrangements to spend time with family. As you reflect on your goals for the coming year, this is the perfect time to take stock of what has happened this year.  What went well? What could we improve on?

Are you aware that November is National Family Caregivers Month?  Are you caring for a family member or do you know someone who is? Family caregivers are unsung heroes as they work tirelessly to help elderly or disabled family members. Would you and your family like to show your appreciation to your family caregiver?  Let us share three tips with you.

Do you know the name of the type of dementia that can cause problems with memory, thinking, cognition, and behavior?  It is Alzheimer’s Disease. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, with end-stages of the disease becoming life-threatening. 
Since there is still no cure, early detection is critical. Early detection can offer the best chance for effective treatment and improved quality of life. The most widely recognized early warning sign is memory loss and knowing what to do about it could make all the difference in your treatment options.

Have you completed your Alabama estate planning for your loved one with special needs? We know this is a difficult topic to discuss as well as how hard it may be to contemplate a time when you are no longer here to provide for and protect your loved one. With as  many challenges as you and your loved one may face, however, you cannot wait to complete your Alabama estate planning. 

It is important to plan ahead for the long-term future of your loved one with special needs. Whether it is during this month of October, when there is national awareness on Special Needs Planning, or any time throughout the year, creating the estate plan you need is of critical importance.

Estate planning is critical for anyone who wants to help ensure their wishes are respected in the event of temporary incapacitation or upon their death. Despite the important role estate planning plays in our lives, did you know less than 50% of Americans have an estate plan in place? This is a terrifying statistic when we know just how important making a plan is for your future, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

None of us know what tomorrow might bring and having an estate plan that you develop with your estate planning attorney can provide security. Do you already have a plan in place? Don’t forget you may need to update it. In fact, when you regularly update what you have put in place with your attorney you can help ensure that security will continue.

A prenuptial agreement is an agreement entered into between future spouses regarding ownership and distribution of their present and future assets. Have you thought of a prenuptial agreement as a plan for divorcing even before the marriage takes place? A prenuptial agreement, however, can be a very important legal tool for couples in certain situations, including in the context of estate planning.  

A prenuptial agreement does not just set forth how assets will be distributed upon divorce, it may also address the distribution of assets upon a spouse’s death.
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