A will guides your assets and your loved ones through your final chapter. But not every will suits every situation; each has advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore some of the most common types of wills and their purposes in estate planning.

Are you or the seniors in your life ready for emergencies? Do you have a plan? During unexpected events, older people and the disabled are among the most at risk for injuries or worse. Limited mobility, chronic health issues, and sight or hearing impairments can reduce their reaction times. A solid action plan can protect their health and safety.

An average of six out of every ten American adults lack an estate plan. Like a sandcastle washed away, without a plan, the lifetime legacy you’ve built could vanish. When your loved ones grieve, as medical bills mount and deeds gather dust, your final wishes can remain a mystery.

The closing of more senior care facilities in Maine spotlights concerns about long-term care options. For some healthy older adults, aging in place gives hope. But it might not be the right path for everyone.

Do you think older adults who start an exercise program won’t gain strength or flexibility? Or that doing mentally stimulating activities later in life is pointless as the benefits could be fleeting?  Imagine clearer thoughts after a brisk walk or the satisfaction of mastering a new Zumba move. Studies show these and other activities can boost mental and physical strength at any stage of life.

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. 

Stories about will disputes or disinherited relatives have been fodder for plays and movies for years (e.g., "Knives Out"). Perhaps some of these stories inspire you to leave an inheritance that will keep your loved ones happy - or at least keep them away from each other's throats! 

Arranging for your first consultation can calm any concerns and maximize your time with your attorney. Learn about the documents and the details to gather for a productive discussion.

When the New Year approaches, some of us aim to make a new start to enhance our quality of life. Beyond setting personal goals, it's an ideal time to update or create an estate plan.

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

Planning tends to clear the path for long-term success. Spur-of-the-moment decisions work for simple pursuits like trying a new restaurant. But major endeavors like raising kids, especially children with special needs, benefit from thoughtful strategies such as life care planning.  

The silver lining in a dementia diagnosis is that it emphasizes the importance of living life as fully as possible now. The uncertainty over how the disease will progress also highlights the urgency of planning for the future. As you journey forward, taking this step can help you and your loved ones feel more in control.

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. 

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.

Without other people to act on your behalf, your estate plan wouldn’t exist. Choosing the right legal representatives and beneficiaries for one requires thought and care; they must also be willing to serve in those roles. When you choose them, you should weigh certain factors in your decision.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to a Caring.com survey, 56 percent of American adults know it's important to have a will, but only one in three has an estate planning document.