Being able to voice your medical care preferences is something you should never have to lose. Unfortunately, infirmities, illnesses or disabilities could rob you of the capacity to make your own healthcare decisions. This is why people make advance plans to carry out their future care. You may have heard of someone making a living will, or another person composing a healthcare power of attorney. These two documents are not the same, but each can help ensure that a care provider will honor your wishes. What to know about a living will A living will is a legal document that outlines your prefere ..read more

Managing a driveway encroachment can pose unexpected hurdles for homeowners and might lead to conflicts with neighbors. Knowing how to handle this issue is important for protecting property lines and keeping good relationships with neighbors in the community. There are four steps that you can take to handle a driveway encroachment without taking legal action. 1. Identify the encroachment Start by identifying the encroachment on your property. This may involve measuring distances and reviewing property surveys to find out the exact extent of the encroachment. 2. Communicate with the neighbor In ..read more

Drafting a succession plan for your family business helps ensure its long-term viability and continuity across generations. A succession plan outlines the process for transferring ownership and management responsibilities to the next generation of leaders within the family. Without a clear plan in place, the future of the business may be uncertain. This raises the chances of challenges arising during times of transition. Identifying key stakeholders and objectives The first step in drafting a succession plan for your family business is identifying key stakeholders and establishing clear object ..read more

As a doctor practicing in Indiana, it is important to plan for the future. This is not only for yourself but also for your loved ones and your assets. Estate planning can ensure the fulfillment of your wishes and the protection of your assets. Probate and its implications Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate goes to beneficiaries and heirs. It can be time-consuming and expensive. Doctors should consider strategies to minimize probate, such as establishing trusts or using joint ownership for certain assets. Creditors About 15,918 active physicians practice in In ..read more

In the realm of real estate, purchasing a home through a short sale can present a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Short sales occur when a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, often in an attempt to avoid foreclosure. If you are considering this option, there are five tips that will help you navigate the process successfully. 1. Research the market Before delving into the world of short sales, it is important to understand the current real estate market. Research the neighborhoods that interest you, paying attention to property values, tren ..read more

Creating a living trust offers several advantages for those looking to manage their assets and estates. Unlike a will, a living trust provides a flexible and efficient mechanism for managing assets during one’s lifetime and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth upon passing. Understanding the key advantages of creating a living trust can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their estate planning. 1. Avoiding probate A key benefit of a living trust is its ability to bypass the probate process. Probate is the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets to ..read more

When it comes to managing your limited liability company, there are several aspects that are easy to overlook. Among these, the act of naming a beneficiary for the LLC is particularly important. Designating a beneficiary who will inherit your share of ownership over an LLC is necessary for a smooth transition if you become incapacitated or choose to step down. With that in mind, there are a few key points to consider to ensure minimal disruptions to the business during the inheritance process. Choosing a beneficiary Selecting a beneficiary involves deciding who will inherit your business inter ..read more

According to Zillow’s annual predictions, Indianapolis will be the fourth hottest real estate market in the United States this year. The online real estate listing site has forecasted a dynamic real estate landscape for the 50 most populous metropolitan areas, and Indianapolis is high on the list. The three cities that outranked it were Buffalo, Cincinnati and Columbus. Dominant regions Zillow’s analysis reveals that most hotspots hail from the Midwest’s Great Lakes region and the Southeast. Buffalo claims the coveted title of the hottest 2024 housing market, attributed to a surge in job creat ..read more

Succession planning is an important aspect of ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of a business. According to Sigma Assessment Systems, Inc., the risk of not having a succession plan is apparent to about 60% of business leaders it surveyed in 2022. It is never too early to begin succession planning. It should be part of the fabric of a company’s strategic vision from its inception. All leaders within a business should also understand why it is so important to start early. Time for development The process of succession planning involves identifying and nurturing individuals within t ..read more

To begin conversations about estate planning with your aging parents can feel daunting and overwhelming. After all, you want your parents to know that you come from a place of love rather than greed. Conversations about estate plans should remain open and respectful. Show genuine concern Estate planning is a sensitive topic. When approaching the subject with your parents, ensure they understand you are genuinely concerned for their well-being. You want to foster an atmosphere of trust where your parents know that you will respect their wishes and where all of your concerns can come out. Emphas ..read more