Posts by Susan Sandys
Long Term Care Estate Planning, Insurance, and Thinking Ahead
For 70% of Americans over the age of 65, nursing home care is an inevitable reality. Assisted living facilities meet this need by offering care for many individuals who are no longer able to care for themselves. This care, however, has a steep price. For many elders, the cost of these necessary medical interventions can…
Read MoreSSI For Children With Autism
The prevalence of autism in America is significant. In fact, almost one out of every 59 young people will receive an autism or autistic spectrum disorder diagnosis during their developmental years. For family members looking to help their children lead fulfilling lives, this added uniqueness can create added financial burden. Often, the parents of autistic…
Read MoreThat’s the IDEA: The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is a piece of legislation ensuring that children and youth with disabilities receive support and care to help them thrive in a school system designed for neurotypical individuals. If you have a child or children with disabilities, knowing…
Read MoreIncapacitated Adults: How do I become a Legal Guardian in Arizona?
Individuals seeking legal guardianship in Arizona do so for a variety of reasons. We have covered some of these topics in previous blogs, such as guardianship of minor children where parents are both deceased. However, there are many more family situations in which legal guardianship may be appropriate for an adult. One such circumstance is…
Read MoreSpecial Education Advocate: Adults and Planning for the Future
Our society is made for able-bodied, neurotypical individuals. Looking at everything from our infrastructure to our school systems, being a special individual in today’s climate is a challenging (and even sometimes discouraging) task. This is why knowing how to advocate for those with disabilities is important for each of us to learn. Not only does…
Read MoreCOVID-19 and the DIY Will
When it comes time to make an estate plan, some want to try the DIY approach. Many different kinds of softwares and forms exist– all making estate planning look simple enough. This is all with the benefit of completing it from home, quickly, inexpensively, and without the need for an estate planning attorney. In times…
Read MoreDying Without a Will in Arizona: What Happens Next
When family members are left in a position where their loved one dies without a will, there are many questions that are raised regarding what to do next. Before continuing however, it’s important to understand that in these instances, the laws are incredibly nuanced and no online article will replace the knowledge and expertise of…
Read MoreSecuring the Future: Wills and Trusts
In the early phase of estate planning, there is a fair amount of research needed to decide whether a will or trust is right for your assets. As each document serves a separate function, the inevitable question arises: can you have both a will and a living trust? Not only is it possible to have…
Read MoreArizona Will Witness Requirements
There are requirements which must be met to validate a will and ensure the document is enforceable after someone, called the decedent, passes away. One such requirement in the state of Arizona is having two witnesses to the signing of the document. While witnesses are not the only way a will becomes valid in Arizona,…
Read MoreCan an Executor of a Will be a Beneficiary?
Who will be chosen as an executor, or as it’s called in Arizona, a “personal representative,” is among the most important decisions to be made in estate planning. The person designated as the personal representative will be the one to enforce the deceased person’s last will and testament provisions. Can an executor of a will…
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