What if something bad happens to the beneficiary of your will?
You’re having your Last Will and Testament prepared, and you’ve decided on the beneficiaries who will inherit your estate. Good job! I always say any planning is better than no planning. To have a great estate plan, though, I urge you to consider what might happen to...
Marriage versus cohabitation for elderly couples
Clients who have found love in their senior years (after death of a loved one or divorce) often ask whether it is better to marry or simply live together (cohabitate). The question can raise complex issues in the answer will vary according to the couple’s individual...
Will the bank honor your power of attorney?
A recent article in the New York Times reported on the resistance of banks (and other financial institutions) to honor requests by someone holding power of attorney for an incapacitated person. In one case, the son of a woman with Alzheimer’s disease could not access...
Estate Plan New Year’s Resolution Guide
If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to do (or update) your estate planning, we want to help you maintain your momentum. Here are links and next-step ideas to help you move your estate planning into the “done” column. 1. If you have never done an estate plan, read:...
Why you should have a will
If you are an adult with some assets and a loved one or two, you should have a will. At a minimum, your last will and testament expresses your wishes about how your assets will be passed on to your survivors. But it can also serve as the vehicle for other important...About Andrew Sykes
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes is the past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.