Elder Law Matters — a monthly blog by Glenn A. Deig

Requirements of making a Will in Indiana

Posted on July 15, 2019 
In order to have a valid written Last Will and Testament (“Will”) in Indiana, the “testator” (person making the Will) needs to be at least 18 years of age (younger if in armed services), of sound mind whose signature is witnessed by 2 independent witness.  Other States may have different requirements, but Indiana Courts will accept a Will that was validly executed under the laws of another State. Sound mind, also known as mental capacity is 

Options for caregivers

Posted on June 15, 2019 
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of people over 65 is expected to nearly double by 2050. Given the predicted exponential increase of the elderly population, there is also going to be an increase in the number of caregivers, especially with women, minorities, and those older than the general population as the common caregivers. Caregiving-specific studies reveal that approximately 68 percent of spousal caregivers experienced job impacts from conflicts such as leaving work 
You might have noticed your parents, or loved ones, need more help such as the house is uncharacteristically dirty; they are not eating properly; they are having problems with driving a vehicle; or struggling with payment of bills and handling investments.  Everyone, including parents, fear the idea of losing control.  Children are uncomfortable as well since they don’t want to appear or want to feel to be greedy or nosy.  Therefore, it is important to 
This is one of the most commonly asked questions I receive during “nursing home” asset protection consultations.  The healthy, at-home spouse is often anxious and concerned about his or her spouse’s medical condition; many just assume that the life savings must be spent on the nursing home care, which undoubtedly feeds the anxiety. Transitioning from home to a nursing home is a very stressful situation for not only the spouse needing care, but also for 
Elder Law
Every week I meet with clients who are concerned about their own, or a loved one’s, declining health.  Sometimes, admission to a skilled care nursing facility is discussed as a next step because the family can no longer provide the level of care required to keep the loved one at home.  A skilled care facility can certainly provide a level of care that isn’t always possible at home, and there are times when that is