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Practical Ways to Cover Funeral or Burial Costs

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Mar 15, 2024 | 0 Comments

Let's face it: planning for the final chapter doesn’t top most to-do lists. Yet being proactive about your legacy can be an empowering experience. Having these conversations and making decisions ahead of time may spare your loved ones distress. Planning also prepares you or those you love for the expenses involved. As with the prices of everything from rent to groceries, funeral and burial costs are rising. 

Why It’s Worth Discussing Estate Planning During the Holidays

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Nov 06, 2023 | 0 Comments

We often catch up with our relatives and the changes happening in their lives at family gatherings. For some families, they're among the few times everyone will get together under one roof. These celebrations can be the right time to start the conversation about your loved ones' future. An effective estate planning discussion involves timing, tact, and strategy. The conversation can continue and evolve later

Intestacy: If You Die Without a Will, What Happens?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Aug 18, 2023 | 0 Comments

If you die without a will, you might believe your money or your property will go directly to your surviving next of kin. But that doesn't always happen. If your assets must pass through probate first, the process could delay the inheritance and cause stress for your loved ones. Preparing a will before you die makes it more likely that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. 

7 Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jul 07, 2023 | 0 Comments

Do you believe lightning never strikes in the same place twice?  As it turns out, that’s not true. The Empire State Building, for instance, survives dozens of lightning strikes each year. Like other aspects of popular culture, estate planning has its share of beliefs that on closer scrutiny, don’t hold up to the facts. But because they’ve become widely accepted, people tend to think they’re true.

Talking To Aging Parents About Their Health, Wealth, and Future Before It's Too Late

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | May 10, 2023 | 0 Comments

A Wells Fargo survey found that nearly half of all Americans would rather discuss funeral plans than financial plans with their parents.  The discomfort about broaching these and similar topics can arise over concerns about appearing to expect an inheritance. Adult children might also wonder if they’re ready to handle responsibilities like caring for aging parents. And they could fear their parents will overreact or they will lead their parents to think they believe they’re experiencing health or financial troubles. To ensure you won’t need to guess in an emergency, find out your parents' financial, health-care, and legacy plans -- whether they’re already in place or should be considered. Here's how.

Medicaid Crisis Planning: Problems You Might Need Help to Solve

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Apr 08, 2023 | 0 Comments

The end of the COVID-19 public health emergency has led to a return of Medicaid eligibility reviews nationwide. People often seek help with Medicaid planning in a health-care crisis – when they or a loved one become seriously ill or need nursing home care and can't afford it. State laws and eligibility requirements for long-term care (LTC) may be hard to understand without advice. Experienced elder law attorneys, like those at LWP&E, can offer ways to qualify for Medicaid while you protect your assets.

The Cost of Neglecting Estate Planning: Don't Let Your Family Pay the Price

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Mar 09, 2023 | 0 Comments

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey has joked that to show you hate your family, "leave unclear instructions and no will." Without knowing your final wishes, those close to you could fight over your estate or wind up paying your end-of-life costs themselves. If your loved ones struggle to manage the probate process, the burden may also affect them physically and emotionally.

Does a New Will Revoke an Old Will?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Feb 02, 2023 | 0 Comments

If you have a will, you understand the importance of ensuring your final wishes are known ahead of time. But what if you don't update your will? It might not reflect your current life situation. It's best to review your will every three to five years or whenever you experience a major life change. Generally speaking, a new will supersedes an older one; probate laws, however, vary by state. To help prevent confusion and potential disputes, consider how to handle updates to your will.

Staying Connected While Getting Older

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jan 05, 2023 | 0 Comments

AARP Maine reports that over 135,000 people age 50 and older live alone in the state and are at higher risk of social isolation. Often, these solo agers, “kinless,” or “elderly orphans” are widowed, divorced, never married, or have no children. Black people, women, people with low incomes, and the LGBTQ community are among those most affected. A recent AARP survey showed that people between the ages of 66 and 75 most frequently said they are more lonely now than they were before the pandemic. Contributing factors include experiencing a major illness or the death of loved ones.

A Checklist for Estate Planning in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Dec 09, 2022 | 0 Comments

Estate planning doesn't have to be complex or confusing. You can save time, stay organized, and simplify the process. If you're not sure where to start, this resource will walk you through what to think about before you gather documents or talk to an attorney. Ideally, you'll consider everything from preparing for incapacity to potential long-term care needs. Not just for seniors, it’s for any adult at any stage of life.

Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver in Maine

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Nov 04, 2022 | 0 Comments

Caretakers of ill or disabled loved ones might not be paid for their time and effort. If a family caregiver has other commitments, such as to a job or their own family, they can experience stress and other challenges.  In some cases, they might also be paying for a parent or another loved one's care. If the care recipient can make their own decisions, it's possible for a family caregiver to get paid for their efforts.

Why is Long-Term Care Planning So Important?

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Oct 05, 2022 | 0 Comments

You might have planned for a career, a family, or retirement, but have you considered planning for a time when you can’t care for yourself? You might not like to think about that. You could stay healthy well into your golden years. Planning for long-term care, however, can minimize the costs should the need for it ever arise.

How to Make Plans to Provide Care for Your Pet If You Can't

Posted by Unknown | Sep 09, 2022 | 0 Comments

Many of us appreciate the companionship, support, and unconditional love animals provide. If you own a pet, you can become so close to them that they become part of the family. In case something happens to you, it is extremely important to have documents in place to ensure they receive care in your absence.

Making Your Final Arrangements Known Ahead of Time

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jul 14, 2022 | 0 Comments

Talking about death is often considered taboo in our culture, yet death is a natural part of the cycle of life that we all face. The thought of deciding on your final arrangements may seem morbid and make you sad. But if you make your wishes known now, you can feel relieved that you’ll spare grieving loved ones from making difficult last-minute decisions later. 

Preventing Financial Exploitation of the Elderly: Recognizing and Reporting It

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Jun 06, 2022 | 0 Comments

The National Council on Aging defines financial exploitation of the elderly as “the misuse or withholding of an older adult's resources by another.” A form of elder abuse, the elderly are often ripped off by people they know. Perpetrators may try to access the elders' financial accounts or pressure them to give gifts or no-interest loans.

10 Ways an Elder Law Attorney Can Help You

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | May 10, 2022 | 0 Comments

The older you get, the more likely you are to be affected by legal issues involving aging. An elder law attorney can help you address some of them. An elder law attorney offers guidance on matters that concern the elderly, their families and caregivers, and adults with special needs, including long-term care and estate planning.

Common Estate Planning Errors to Avoid

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Apr 08, 2022 | 0 Comments

Even if you have done some estate planning, you might not have covered everything. That may be OK, because you can still change course. If you have an estate plan, any mistakes you've made are a sign you should update it. Here are some of the most common errors people make in estate planning.

Writing a Letter of Intent for Special Needs Estate Planning

Posted by Daniel J. Eccher, Esq. | Mar 05, 2022 | 0 Comments

The parent or guardian of a child or other dependent with special needs can create a letter of intent to detail care and other arrangements after the parent or guardian dies. An informal, non-legally binding document that complements an estate plan, a letter of intent may be addressed to a personal representative, trustee, successor guardian, or others the writer wants to care for their loved one.

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Areas We Serve

Our office is in Winthrop, Maine, located approximately 10 miles from Augusta, and 17 miles from Lewiston. We are also available by appointment to meet in the Brunswick/Topsham area and the Waterville area.