When I was 18, money felt like something I would figure out “someday.” Budgeting seemed boring, credit cards felt like free money, and retirement planning was for people who owned houses and could fold fitted sheets without breaking a sweat. Fast forward a few decades, and I see how much
A client once shared a story about her father, who spent his entire life building a successful business. He passed away believing his children would keep it thriving for decades. Within just five years, the business was sold, the money was divided, and most of it was gone. No one
At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is: “If I leave my house to my children, will they have to go through probate?” It’s a smart question, because real estate is often a family’s biggest asset, and probate can be
At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, we hear this question all the time from families in crisis: “Mom suddenly needs nursing home care. Do we really have to spend down everything she owns before she can qualify for Medicaid?” It’s a heartbreaking and stressful situation. Nursing homes are expensive,
At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law, we meet with retirees all the time who are thinking about downsizing. Sometimes it’s about saving money, sometimes it’s about simplifying life, and sometimes it’s about being closer to the grandkids. Whatever the reason, downsizing isn’t just about picking a smaller house. It’s
Margaret never thought she’d feel so alone. At 72, she was living comfortably in her own home, still driving herself to church and the grocery store, and catching up with friends when she could. But one unexpected health scare and a trip to the ER changed everything. At 2 a.m.,
If you or someone you love depends on your local hospital for care, there’s some big news you need to know. Recent changes to Medicaid funding could soon have an impact right here in Indiana, especially in our many rural communities. On July 4, President Trump signed the “One Big
Let’s talk about probate. You’ve probably heard the term before, but do you actually know what it means? If not, you’re in good company. A 2024 national study found that only 65% of Americans can even define probate, and more than a third openly admit they don’t understand it at
“But we had a will. Doesn’t that mean we get to skip probate?” I hear this all the time. And unfortunately, it’s one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings families face after someone passes away. Let’s clear it up right now: A will does not help you avoid probate.
We thought we had more time. Then Mom fell. And just like that, we were in full-blown crisis mode—scrambling to find care, figuring out what she would’ve wanted, and trying not to panic over the cost. Sound familiar? It’s how this goes for most families. One day, everything’s fine. Next,
