Page 85 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

Protect Your Kids and Grandkids by

Getting Your Ducks in a Row

by Nathan Ziegler

s an elder law and estate planning attorney,
protecting assets is the number one goal of a whole
Alot of what I do. Today, as we are living longer; before
we can even think about preserving an estate for the kids, the
more pressing question for us is: what happens if I DON’T
die? What if I just live a really long time? Like it or not, most
of us will be on a care journey in the second half of life. We
will require the care of another person before we pass –
usually more and more care as we go along.
So the issue of protecting your assets is really even more
important than it used to be. It is about leaving a legacy, but
it’s also about having options and quality of life all the way
through your journey.
If you are married, the issue is even more important. You
need to plan to protect what you have and find resources to
help pay for the care of TWO people, so that the cost of care
of the first to need assistance does not consume all of your
resources, leaving spouse #2 with no options.

Once we’ve ensured you (and your spouse) are protected
during your life, then we can also look for ways to protect
your legacy – bloodline protection and remarriage protection.
We want to ensure that what you’ve worked hard to provide
for your family doesn’t end up in the wrong hands due
to divorce and/or remarriage. We want to make sure it’s
protected and passes to those you intend to provide for in the
most tax-advantaged way possible.
As with most things, the sooner you plan, the better choices
you have for protecting your assets, your family, and your
options for where you live and receive care if you need it
someday. So, TODAY is a great day to get your ducks in a
row! Do it for yourself and for the ones you love.

Lubbock Senior Link 85