by Durham Law Firm | Jul 7, 2021 | Estate Litigation
When someone passes away, their will declares an executor of the estate. The executor works with the probate court to pay any claims, debt, estate and income tax, and distribute assets to heirs. If an executor does not act in the best interests of the estate’s heirs...
by Durham Law Firm | Jul 2, 2021 | Guardianship
As you grow older, you may eventually need a caregiver. It is difficult to accept this truth, but living in denial that your health could fail is not wise. Our culture in the United States often values autonomy, independence, and doing it yourself. However, if a...
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 29, 2021 | Estate Planning
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that we did not plan. Unexpected death or incapacitating illness may keep us from caring for our children. Mental illness, drug addiction, a prison sentence, or general incompetence can all leave our child with no caregiver....
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 22, 2021 | Estate Planning
Trust protectors play a relatively new role in the life of a trust. They give a type of long-term trust protection by acting with power over trustees and beneficiaries alike. A trust protector serves as an appointed authority over a trust for a time. Trust protectors...
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 15, 2021 | Guardianship
The court orders a guardian for anyone who is severely disabled, incompetent, or incapacitated and needs help to live safely. If the court desires to appoint someone you do not want to care for you or that other family disapprove of, you may contest the guardianship....
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 11, 2021 | Estate Administration
When someone passes away, what they leave behind is called their estate. Estate administration is the process of distributing their assets among the heirs. If the decedent had an estate plan and will, the administration process may be smooth and uncomplicated....
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 9, 2021 | HWH Updates
Neglect of a disabled adult in North Carolina is a type of abuse. There are several ways that caregivers or others can hurt an elderly disabled adult. However, neglect is often less understood than other types of abuse. Let’s look at what elder neglect laws exist to...
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 7, 2021 | Estate Planning
If you are 65, your chances of needing some kind of long-term care during your lifetime are at 70%. While it’s not enjoyable to think about a future including caregivers, it is not wise to ignore a likely scenario. Let’s look at what types of long-term care facilities...
by Durham Law Firm | Jun 2, 2021 | Estate Planning
If you are getting older and less able to care for yourself, legal documents can help prevent future exploitation. Part of preventing financial elder abuse is preparing yourself for a future in which you may need care. Preventing exploitation in your community is...
by Durham Law Firm | May 28, 2021 | Guardianship
If you are an older adult, people may question your memory, sanity, and ability to lead an independent life. They may say you can no longer make decisions for yourself. However, we all have the right to decide our life path, whether good or bad. If others think they...
