The Elrod Firm

The Elrod Firm Articles

Insightful articles that provide further information related to estate planning and elder law.

Long-Term Care Planning

Plan For Where You Want To Go

I have always loved the famous quote of Yankee great Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” As an attorney who focuses every day on the need to plan ahead, it reminds me of the need to be intentional in setting plans for how you want your life to play out. Without a plan for getting where you want to go, how do you expect to get there?

Estate Planning

Lessons From Coach Lou Holtz

Lou Holtz was named head football coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1977. In seven seasons leading the Razorbacks, Holtz compiled a record of 60-21-2,

Guardianship

Put a Spring in Your Step, Not in Your Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to take care of your finances and healthcare decisions if there ever comes a time when you can’t. The person you appoint is called your attorney-in-fact or agent. Some Powers of Attorney only become effective when you become incapacitated. They “spring” into existence once a certain event has taken place.

Probate

To Deed or Not To Deed?

On Father’s Day in 2013, Frank surprised his three children by turning tradition on its head. Instead of waiting for his kids to give him a Father’s Day present just like they’d done time and again over the years, he gave them a gift they weren’t expecting.

Medicaid Benefits

Things Grandparents Should Know about the 529 College Savings Account

The 529 College Savings Account (“529 Plan”) is an estate planning and college savings tool that has its place in a grandparent’s well-rounded estate plan, but the pros and cons should be considered before heading down to your local bank or opening an account online. In addition, as an Elder Law practice, we also want you to be informed about the affect a 529 Plan may have on your long term care Medicaid eligibility.

How We Got Here

When you strive to accomplish your life’s work, “all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” This was the lesson an Andalusian shepherd

Estate Planning

Life Lessons From Our First President

On the third Monday of February each year, Americans celebrate a federal holiday commonly referred to as Presidents’ Day, but on the books, this holiday

Estate Planning

Non-legal Tips for Estate Planning

When we’re finalizing an estate plan, clients often ask, “Ok, is there anything else I need to do now?” Here’s a summary of a few key tips that you can do without a lawyer

Veterans Benefits

What You Need To Know About Veterans Benefits

I have always found it appropriate that we celebrate Veterans Day in November—a time of year set aside for giving thanks for the many blessings we have received, not the least of which being the freedom we in America enjoy because of the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. As this patriotic holiday is currently celebrated, it is a day set aside to recognize the veterans of all U.S. wars, but that has not always been the case.

Asset Protection

Plan to Avoid Family Conflict

Sometimes people think they don’t need an estate plan because they’ve named one of their children to be the sole owner of all of their assets when they die. They say, “I’m not worried, I know my daughter will do the right thing.” This is not a good idea.

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