by Twyla Sketchley | May 29, 2017 | Estate Planning
To die “intestate” means a person died without a valid Last Will & Testament, or a will. This commonly occurs when one fails to create a written will. However, a person may die intestate if a court determines her will is invalid. In some rare cases,...
by Twyla Sketchley | May 15, 2017 | Elder Law
Getting older doesn’t mean what it used to. For many aging Americans, it is a phase of life where interests, goals, and dreams can get a new start. Today, it’s about eliminating outdated perceptions about “old age” and living the way that suits you...
by Twyla Sketchley | Apr 2, 2017 | Elder Law, Financial Assistance, Resources
Equal Pay Day marks how far into a new year a woman must work to earn the same amount a man did in the previous year. For example, women must work until approximately April 4, 2017 to make the same amount men did in 2016. Equal Pay day is a symbolic reminder of the...
by Twyla Sketchley | Mar 5, 2017 | Attorney, Elder Law
In my practice, I see challenges that we face due to discrimination every day. Women still are not paid equally for equal work across our nation and many are subjected to hostile work environments as a part of their career paths. As these women age, the lack of equal...
by Twyla Sketchley | Mar 2, 2017 | Attorney, Caregivers
March is Women’s History Month. It is a time when we celebrate women’s contribution to history, culture, and society. While we celebrate women’s contributions, it is also a time to look at the impact of the sexism that still exists in our society...
by Twyla Sketchley | Dec 25, 2016 | Estate Planning
While an inheritance is nothing more than the transfer of property or money to a beneficiary, many clients hope it will enhance the beneficiary’s life well into the future. Clients may wish to secure basic necessities for a child. They may want to ensure it...
by Twyla Sketchley | Dec 19, 2016 | Estate Planning
Each new year Medicare premiums, Social Security earnings, tax limits, and the minimum wage change. The same will happen on January 1, 2017. Here is a summary of the important numbers you need for your retirement, estate planning, and special needs planning:...
by Twyla Sketchley | Dec 12, 2016 | Disability
An ABLE account is a special savings account for people with disabilities created by the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) of 2014. The purpose of these accounts is to allow people with disabilities to save money in a tax-favored way without jeopardizing...
by Twyla Sketchley | Sep 11, 2016 | Estate Planning
I give a lot of community presentations estate planning. At these presentations, the most common question get is: Can I use internet forms to do my estate planning? The answer I give in my presentation is from the old Fram Oil Filter commercial: “The choice is...
by Twyla Sketchley | Aug 21, 2016 | Estate Planning
In life we passionately support the charities we love. However, we often believe we can no longer do so after we die. A common misunderstanding is that one must be wealthy to leave money to a charity in an estate plan. When I ask my clients about leaving money to...
