Widows and Estate Planning: Elder Law Attorney in Woodstock, GA

When their husbands pass away many women feel overwhelmed with the estate’s affairs. However, with some planning and a few simple tasks most widows can get a good handle on the situation.

Even when there is time to prepare for losing a husband due to illness, most widows are unsure what to do with their husband’s estate. They do not have the training and relevant experience to know how to handle things.

To make matters worse, decisions that used to be made by two people now must be made by the widow alone.

Fortunately, with a little bit of preparation and a few simple steps, most widows will find that they are up to the task.

Forbes recently published a helpful article with some tips titled “The Widow’s Guide To Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer.”

Some of the tips include:

Start with a professional will – If at all possible, before a spouse passes away, the couple should visit an elder law attorney and have a professional, comprehensive will, durable power of attorney, and advance directive for healthcare drawn up.
Open a sole bank account – Many recent widows are surprised when banks close joint accounts when the husband passes away. Having another account in their name alone helps ensure that the money is there to meet immediate expenses.
Update beneficiaries and ownership titles – If a husband is listed as a beneficiary on a widow’s life insurance policy, retirement account, or something similar, then those documents need to be updated with a different beneficiary. It is also important to retitle any jointly held property.

Contact an experienced elder law attorney to help you with all of the details.

Reference: Forbes (June 2, 2015) “The Widow’s Guide To Estate Planning and Wealth Transfer.”

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce