Some people think that, because their assets are jointly owned with a spouse or are in a trust, they do not need a Power of Attorney, or that if they become incapacitated, their spouse automatically has the authority to make medical decisions on their behalf.

Conversations about family succession plans are difficult.

Estate Planning Workshop. Essential documents to protect yourself and your loved ones.

We have seen some step siblings able to all get along fine but they seem to be the exception. More likely, one sibling feels divided loyalty to the birth parent, not the step-parent.

For traditional 401(k) plans and IRAs, you generally get a tax break when you make contributions and then pay taxes on the withdrawals in retirement. In contrast, Roth versions of those accounts come with no upfront tax break, but qualified withdrawals are excluded from federal income taxes.

If a person close to you has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be time to address some serious financial questions.

A conservatorship, also known as a guardianship, is a legal mechanism set up for people who are unable to manage their affairs.