Fraud isn’t just something you read about in headlines; it’s a growing and deeply personal threat, especially for older adults and those who are socially isolated. Common scams take more than money, they take trust, peace of mind, and in many cases, years of hard-earned financial security. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, which...
Navigating the ins and outs of Medicaid planning can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information available to you. However, it is vitally important to start thinking about Medicaid Planning early and to have a realistic understanding of what it consists of and what it can achieve. Too often, people think that Medicaid Planning can achieve miracles and are disappointed by what they...
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you're wondering how to simplify your assets, minimize probate, or understand the purpose of a trust, the key is having clear, effective tools in place. Wills and trusts aren't just for the ultra-wealthy, they're essential for anyone who wants to protect their loved ones and ensure their wishes are honored. In this...
Recently we held a webinar on how to spot and stop elder fraud - you can watch it on YouTube Elder fraud and the financial exploitation of seniors is a growing problem. Lonely seniors have always been vulnerable to abuse, but scams are becoming more sophisticated as technology advances. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence we are now facing challenges like seniors unknowingly...
A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a crucial legal tool that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf for financial or medical matters. While having a trusted agent can provide peace of mind, choosing the wrong person can have serious consequences. Unfortunately, misuse of Power of Attorney authority is not uncommon and can lead to financial exploitation, family disputes, and...
After two decades as an attorney and hospice chaplain, I've seen how critical estate planning is for protecting families. My work has taught me that these plans are more than legal documents—they are acts of love that provide clarity and peace during life's most challenging transitions. Comprehensive estate planning starts with creating a will, but it also involves communicating with your...
When we draw up a comprehensive estate plan, we are focusing on assets, money, and what we must do in case we are incapacitated. But in my view, this doesn’t encompass widely enough the transfer of values, traditions, and how we want to be remembered. Letting people know these things is of enormous value for loved ones. Ethical wills can also be valuable tools in reconciliation and healing...
Rocky Mountain Elder Law is proud to sponsor BOXED 2024, a dynamic cooking challenge aiming to ignite culinary creativity and fuel vital community support. Attendees have the chance to enjoy a silent auction and wine pull, networking, and tastings in the kitchen before casting their vote for the top chef! On October 9, this annual event raises funds for Benefits in Action, a non-profit committed...
https://youtu.be/S4YRrXbgzJU
If you watched our video and you're ready for more information - watch our webinar. As we go through life, we often focus on building our careers, raising our families, and planning for retirement. However, there's one crucial aspect of life planning that many of us tend to put off: creating a will. No matter your age, if you don’t have a will, this message is for...
This year, significant upcoming changes to federal income tax laws need our attention because they might mean you should revisit your estate plan. While you may think you are immune to these changes, a closer look shows potential implications for many people in Colorado. For example, if you own real estate in Colorado and have a second home or are beneficiaries of a trust in Colorado (such as a...
