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Peoria Estate Planning. Probate And Elder Law Blog

Should I seek guardianship for my parent?

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Friday, June 21, 2019.

As your parents age, you may notice some changes. Perhaps, the power was shut off the last time you visited your mother, and you question if her memory is still what it once was. Maybe you find yourself wondering when your father last bathed himself.

It can be difficult to worry about the well-being of your parents, especially if they are trying to downplay their challenges. However, if you think something serious may be occurring, it may be appropriate to step in to protect your parent. One possible way to protect your mom or dad is by seeking guardianship.

Early withdrawal of 401K funds without penalty

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Thursday, May 16, 2019.

When unanticipated circumstances unfold, an account holder can draw money out of a 401(k) without penalty if it’s a qualifying event. A non-qualifying early withdrawal from a 401(k) typically results in a 10% penalty tax and payment of the standard income tax rate. If you meet the requirements for an early hardship distribution, you can tap into these funds in your time of need.

Qualifying standards for early withdrawal

What are the different types of powers of attorney?

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Although many estate planning documents address what you would like to happen after you pass away, some documents, like powers of attorney, address what you would like to happen if you are alive but have become incapacitated. There are two types of powers of attorney to consider based on the needs of your situation. These include a power of attorney for healthcare and a power of attorney for property.

Power of attorney for healthcare

What to look for in the right financial advisor

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Friday, February 15, 2019.

We want to trust the people we give our money to, whether it’s our accountants, stockbrokers or bankers. We do not want people to betray our trust and abuse their power for financial gain.

One of the largest groups of people we trust is our financial advisors. We depend on them to counsel us and determine our financial decisions into retirement. Believing the wrong person may lead to more than economic harm; it may result in financial ruin.

Why might you need to create a trust?

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Estate planning can be a complex process with many elements and moving parts to consider, but it is an important component of anyone’s life.

Trusts can be critical parts of estate planning for people with considerable assets who want to protect their legacies and provide for their families. These are complicated fiduciary entities, but they provide many benefits. Why might you need to create a trust as part of your estate plan? What are the advantages? 

Pet trusts provide animal owners a peace of mind

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Setting up an estate plan for when you die can be extremely beneficial to the surviving members of your family. However, there might be an important family member you are forgetting. Animal owners often fail to consider, what happens to Fido when something happens to them?

Luckily for pet owners, pet trusts provide a legal plan for furry family members after their owners pass away. Like a traditional trust, a pet trust is a legal document that names your animal as a beneficiary to your estate. You will also need to name a trustee who will manage the money in the trust for the animal.

Should you set up a trust for your family?

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Making sure your family is taken care of even after you no longer can might be one of your top priorities. You've already begun estate planning and it is well thought out, but have you considered creating a trust yet? Some people think trusts are only for the ultra-wealthy, but this is not true. Creating a trust can be beneficial for families at any level of wealth.

Benefits of a trust

Qualifying and applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Friday, September 21, 2018.

When you suffer from a disability, working may prove a significant challenge. Establishing a sufficient income when you cannot walk, see or even speak may not be a possibility for you. Luckily, multiple government programs have the authority to help you by providing benefits that offer income, so that you can accurately care for yourself and your family.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program helps millions of elderly adults across the United States gain access to income due to their inability to work because of a disability. It is extremely important for you to take advantage of the program if you qualify, so that you can receive accurate benefits. The application process simply determines your eligibility and puts you in contact with a representative to begin receiving compensation. You are not alone if you suffer from a disability and have limited access to income.

What you should know about elder financial scams

On behalf of The Law Office of William C. Wombacher on Tuesday, August 21, 2018.

You care about your parents but sometimes you might worry about them. Unfortunately, there are some people in the world who might want to take advantage of your parents in their old age.

Financial scams and exploitation are one way your parents might be in danger. Many scams and con jobs are centered on elderly people. In fact, it was reported that one in 20 older adults were the victim of some sort of financial mistreatment in their recent past. Further, only one in 44 financial abuse cases on elderly people is even reported, so these statistics may be even higher.