These six steps can help future caregivers know where aging parents stand financially, as well as help them to avoid surprises that could imperil their own retirement.
As life is unpredictable, it is better to start planning sooner rather than later. In fact, upon attaining the legal age of majority in your state of residence (typically at age 18), you should begin considering some form of an estate plan.
However, settling the second spouse's affairs was more complex, even with advance planning. Everything from wills to banking to tax returns became more complicated.
If you have life insurance, you know you were required to pick a single or multiple beneficiaries when you purchased your policy. When you die, the beneficiaries receive the payout from the policy.
There are frequently asked questions that people have about revocable living trusts, wills, supported decision making agreements (new), powers of attorney and advance health care directives.