http://www.smithsholar.com/news/Estate_Planning-Elder_Law.xml Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:05:36 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=378 Enrollment in Medicare Part A is automatic for anyone who files for Social Security Retirement Benefits or Railroad Retirement. There is no need to file a separate application for Medicare. However, i... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=378 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=389 Medicare coverage is available to every individual aged 65 and older regardless of their financial resources and/or health status. There are three major parts to Medicare, Part A, Part B and Part D. ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=389 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=397 Any Will is capable of being contested, however, whether or not the person contesting the Will has the right to a contest or has grounds for a contest is the real issue. Only individuals that would... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=397 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=404 A surviving spouse in Tennessee has the right to take an elective share of their deceased spouse's estate. A spouse may elect against the Will of their spouse or they may take an elective share of an... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=404 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=412 Anyone can intentionally disinherit their spouse in their Will; however, Tennessee law has provided an avenue for surviving spouses to recover from their deceased spouse's estate even if the deceased ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=412 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=418 Many people think that you must at least leave your children one dollar in your Will in order to keep them from contesting the Will. This assumption, however, is only a myth. You may leave your prop... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=418 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=419 WILL V. LIVING TRUST - WHICH ESTATE PLANNING VEHICLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Wills and living trusts each have pros and cons. You should discuss these with your estate planner to determine ... estate planning-elder law Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=419 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=443 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS INSURANCE What are the limits of liability for your errors and omissions insurance policy have limits of liability? For those real estate licensees who carry the E... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=443 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=441 Joint Ownership/Joint Right of Survivorship Assets that are held jointly with another person or entity may pass directly to that person or entity upon your death. For example, if you and you... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=441 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=440 After your death, any asset that has a "payable on death" or beneficiary designation will pass directly to the person or persons indicated on the designation. Such assets may include, but are not lim... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=440 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=433 A VA Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans that have either limited or no income. To qualify, a Veteran must be age 65 or older. A Veteran who is under age 65 and permanently and totally dis... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=433 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=428 When contemplating having a will drawn up in order to provide for minor children, there are a few additional things to consider aside from the standard Will considerations. 1. Who do you desire to be ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=428 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=424 The State of Tennessee has an "income cap" that can result in the disqualification of Medicaid applicants whose gross monthly income exceeds $1,911.00 per month (2008). The Federal Medicaid Rules and... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=424 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=350 1. Medicaid Lockout: For persons that may have to apply for Medicaid benefits to cover the cost of nursing home care, whether in the near future or a few years down the road, it is never a good idea ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=350 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=359 We will keep an eye on this issue to see if this case goes to the Tennessee Supreme Court. ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=359 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=370 Your heirs at law are the people who will inherit your property if you pass away without a Will (intestate). The Tennessee legislature has passed laws that determines how property passes if the decea... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=370 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=346 If you have a Last Will and Testament at your death (testate), most assets that you own will pass according to the terms laid out in your Will. Not all assets will pass according to your Will though.... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=346 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=327 Answer: Our last few tips have focused on the "Tennessee Investment Services Act of 2007" which became Tennessee law on July 1, 2007. This week we look at the dynamics between the trust and creditors... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=327 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=320 Question: What rights may be retained in an irrevocable trust executed under the "Tennessee Investment Services Act of 2007"? Answer: Last week we learned that the "Tennessee Investment Services Act ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=320 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=314 Answer: On May 10, 2007, Governor Phil Bredesen signed into law the "Tennessee Investment Services Act of 2007" which took effect July 1, 2007. The Act contains provisions permitting the creation of ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=314 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=292 Answer: No. Tennessee Code Annotated 35-15-505(a)(3) states that after the death of a settlor, the property of a trust that was revocable immediately preceding the settlor's death is subject to claims... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=292 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=284 Answer: No. As we stated in our last tip, in a Living Trust you retain control of the assets therefore the assets in a Living Trust are subject to the claims of creditors either while you live or at ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=284 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=286 Question: Will my Living Trust help me become eligible for Medicaid if I ever need nursing home care or protect my estate from Medicaid estate recovery after I pass away? Answer: No. Because in a Li... Estate Planning-Elder Law Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=286 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=289 We finish our series this week on select nursing home regulations and the impact these laws have on the relationship between the facility and the Resident. Question: Can a nursing home require me o... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=289 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=282 We continue again this week with our look at select nursing home regulations and the impact these laws have on the relationship between the facility and the resident. Question: Can a nursin... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=282 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=276 This week we continue our look at select nursing home regulations and the impact these laws have on the relationship between the facility and the resident. Question: Can a nursing home restrict vis... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=276 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=268 Question: Can the reverse mortgage lender take away my home while I am living or make me repay the loan while I live in the home? Answer: NO. We've been discussing for the last few weeks that a rever... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=268 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=266 Question: Are all kinds of homes eligible for a reverse mortgage? Answer: We’ve been discussing for the last few weeks that a reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets the homeowner c... Estate Planning-Elder Law Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=266 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=263 Question: How do I know if I am eligible for a reverse mortgage? Answer: Last time, we learned that a reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets the homeowner convert some of the equit... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=263 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=257 Question: What is a reverse mortgage? Answer: A reverse mortgage is a unique type of home loan that lets the homeowner convert a portion of the equity in the home into cash. The equity that has bui... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=257 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=259 Question: I have decided to appoint a Health Care Agent under a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. Whom should I choose as my Agent? Answer: First and foremost, select someone who understands... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=259 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=254 Question: “My will says my 3 children are to each get one-third of my estate at my death, but I have a life insurance policy that specifies that my oldest daughter is the beneficiary at my death for $... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=254 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=250 Question: “Do I have to notify TennCare if my loved one dies?” Answer: Effective January 1, 2007, anyone who represents an estate must provide notice to TennCare if the decedent was 55 or older, and ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=250 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=247 Question: “How does a supplemental needs trust help my disabled child after my death?” Answer: Last week we discussed that leaving an inheritance directly to your disabled child will usually disquali... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=247 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=242 Question: "How can I provide for my disabled child’s financial needs when I am no longer alive?" Answer: Leaving an inheritance directly to your disabled child will usually disqualify the child fro... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=242 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=237 An elder care coordinator evaluates the elder client’s needs, creates and helps implement a care plan to address those needs and makes sure all available private and public resources are accessed so t... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 30 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=237 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=223 Question: Do I need to probate my spouse’s will? Answer: This question is fact dependent. Many factors need to be examined to determine whether probate is necessary or not. Some of the fact... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=223 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=227 Question: What is a "Pour Over" Will? Do I need one? Answer: A "Pour Over" Will is a type of Last Will and Testament that is typically drafted and executed in conjunction with the drafting and ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=227 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=229 Question: Are advance directives such as a Living Will and Appointment of Health Care Agent (formerly know as Medical Power of Attorney) just for the aged? If I’m young with no medical problems, why d... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=229 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=235 Question: In case I need nursing home care in a couple of years, should I give my home to my daughter, son, or close friend? Will this keep the state from getting my home after I pass away and still ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=235 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=218 Question: What is elder law and what does an elder law attorney do? Answer: Elder law focuses on the needs of the elderly. An elder lawyer uses his or her knowledge of the law and experiences to he... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=218 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=213 Question: What are some of the benefits under the Aid and Attendance Program, and what are the eligibility requirements? Answer: As of January 1, 2006, this program most commonly known as "Aid an... Estate Planning-Elder Law Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=213 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=183 Question: Can I keep my home and still be eligible for Medicaid to pay for my nursing home care? Answer: Yes…Your home, no matter how much it is worth, is protected during your lifetime if your sp... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=183 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=184 Question: How does TennCare-Medicaid Estate Recovery affect my home after my death? Answer: If TennCare-Medicaid paid for long term health care, such as a nursing home for you, the Bureau of TennC... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=184 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=209 Question: Have Medicaid rules regarding my residence changed, and can I keep my home and still be eligible for Medicaid to pay for my nursing home care? Answer: The rules regarding your residence... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=209 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=204 Many families, regardless of wealth, have questions about actions that should or should not be taken when attempting to preserve assets when planning for the possibility of long term nursing home care... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=204 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=208 Question: Can I keep my farmland and my rental property which are located about a mile from my residence and still be eligible for Medicaid to pay for my nursing home care? Answer: Unlike your ho... Estate Planning-Elder Law Sat, 24 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=208 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=203 Question: Can I keep my home and my farmland which is located about a mile from my residence and still be eligible for Medicaid to pay for my nursing home care? Answer: As for your home and the s... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=203 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=205 Answer: Unfortunately the answer is wrong. Usually the total amount of money held in a joint bank account or other jointly-held accounts is counted as an available asset. If your daughter with... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=205 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=206 Question: Can I just give my home worth $100,000.00 away to my daughter if I think I’m going to need nursing home care; that way it is out of my name and the state cannot get it after I die to reimbur... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=206 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=202 Question: How do I choose a Medigap policy? Answer: From our previous tips we discovered that Medigap is private insurance that covers some of the “gaps” between what Medicare pays for and what th... Estate Planning-Elder Law Tue, 13 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=202 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=201 Question: How do I choose a Medigap policy? Answer: Remember from our last tip that Medigap is private insurance that covers some of the “gaps” between what Medicare pays for and what the actual m... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 26 May 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=201 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=200 Question: What is Medigap? Answer: Medigap is private insurance that covers some of the “gaps” between what Medicare pays for and what the actual medical costs are. Medigap policies are highly re... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 19 May 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=200 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=2 The gift tax that is recognized in Tennessee may keep costing taxpayers - even after death. The gift tax also plays a big role in inheritance scenarios. All real and personal property which the dec... Estate Planning-Elder Law Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=2 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=196 Question: What is Medicare, and what is Medicare Part A? Answer: Medicare is the governmental health insurance program for persons age 65 and over. Medicare is also available for those who have r... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=196 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=197 Question: What is Medicare, and what is Medicare Part B? Answer: Medicare is the governmental health insurance program for persons age 65 and over. Medicare is also available for those who have r... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=197 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=199 Question: What are Medicare Advantage Plans? Answer: Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide you with all your Medicare Part A and Part B b... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=199 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=198 Question: Does Medicare pay for long term nursing home care? Answer: No, generally it does not. Medicare does pay for “skilled care” for the first 20 days. For days 21-100, the patient pays a ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 10 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=198 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=195 Question: Can I receive Social Security Benefits as a survivor of a family member? Answer: Yes, you can under certain situations. Upon the death of a worker who has earned enough Social Security... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=195 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=194 When can I receive Social Security Benefits? If you have enough Social Security credits, you can receive full benefits at age 65 if you were born before 1938. For those born after 1938 the retirem... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 16 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=194 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=192 What is a conservatorship? A conservatorship is a court-ordered protection for a disabled or incapacitated adult person. A “conservator of the person” may be appointed when the individual is incap... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 02 Feb 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=192 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=193 Answer: Tennessee statutory probate law does state that there is an absolute bar to creditors after a twelve month period, but this absolute bar does not apply to claims of the State of Tennessee. A... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=193 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=191 Question: I have four children, but I have my oldest daughter listed as the sole beneficiary on my life insurance policy. How can I make sure she will divide the proceeds with each child at my death?... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 13 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=191 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=190 Question: Can a person named as executor in a will refuse to serve even if he agreed during the life of the testator (the person making the will) to serve as executor? Answer: Yes. A person nomin... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 06 Jan 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=190 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=189 Answer: No. Legally, the joint financial account would be owned equally by you and your child or grandchild. This can create problems such as: 1) exposure of the account to your child or grandchi... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 30 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=189 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=187 Question: What is the new Medicare prescription drug plan? Answer: Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer prescription drug coverage to everyone with Medicare or Medicaid. If you do not ... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 22 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=187 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=186 Question: What is my legal obligation as the holder of the Will of a deceased person? Answer: One who possesses the Will must send it to the personal representative, with a copy sent to the probat... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=186 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=188 Question: What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care? Answer: A Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care is a legally binding document in which the principal (person needing medical car... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 16 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=188 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=185 Question: What is the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan? Answer: The new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan provides that all persons with Medicare, regardless of income, good or ill health, or pres... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=185 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=207 Question: What happens when the seller of real property dies before final conveyance is made? Answer: Tennessee Code Annotated 66-4-101 provides that in situations where there is a written agreeme... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 18 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=207 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=182 Answer. Yes...This authority must come from the Last Will and Testament. Your Executor, the person you appoint to handle your estate after you die, can be given the power to sell and convey the pr... Estate Planning-Elder Law Fri, 28 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=182 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=181 Question: If the only asset my deceased parents had was their home or other real estate and the Will leaves it to my siblings and myself, do we have to go through the entire probate process? Answer... Estate Planning-Elder Law Thu, 27 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=181 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=374 A second reason to avoid a joint bank account is if your child gets divorced, your child's spouse could be entitled to a portion of the joint bank account. There is of course always the potential... Estate Planning-Elder Law Mon, 25 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.smithsholar.com/single_tip.php?id=374