Essential Senior Legal Services to Secure Your Future

A photo of an older couple looking at and talking with a legal professional. The blog title, "Essential Senior Legal Services for Your Future," and the law firm's logo, "IE & EL," are also shown.

By: Lisa Burris [Senior Legal Services] Senior Health Month is a timely reminder that health and legal preparedness go hand in hand. However, while many people focus on physical well-being, it’s equally important to protect your future with a solid legal and financial plan. From healthcare directives to Medicaid planning, the right documents and strategies ensure your wishes are honored, … Read More

Estate Planning for All Seasons of Life

A dark teal banner titled "Estate Planning for All Seasons of Life" features a stylized light green branch with heart-shaped leaves hanging from it, each heart representing a life stage: "Graduate High School," "Getting Married," "Having Children," "Divorce/Remarried," "Retirement," "Medical Diagnosis," and "Death of a Spouse." The law firm's logo "IE&EL" is in the bottom left, and a small white box in the bottom right says "PEACE OF MIND STARTS HERE.

By: Valerie Hollar, Drafting Paralegal [Estate Planning] Summary: This blog post, “Estate Planning for All Seasons of Life,” is a comprehensive guide to proactive planning. It addresses the unique estate planning considerations for every stage, including graduates, newlyweds, and retirees. Learn about key documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure peace of mind for you and your … Read More

What is Probate?

Probate in Indiana, probate attorney

By: Jennifer (Jenny) Rozelle, Owner & Attorney [Probate] Summary: This blog post clarifies the process of probate and the reasons why a person might want to avoid it. It details the costs, time commitment, and potential for family disputes associated with the process. The post also offers guidance on how to avoid this court process, offering various options that best … Read More

Estate Planning: Securing Your Family’s Future

Samantha Banks and her family, symbolizing peace of mind through estate planning

By: Samantha Banks, Attorney at Law [Estate Planning] Summary: Samantha Banks is an attorney at law at Indiana Estate & Elder Law, specializing in estate planning and elder law. Her passion for this field stems from a personal family experience with a flawed estate plan, driving her to make the process straightforward and accessible for her clients. She assists clients … Read More

Family Reunions: A Catalyst for Estate Planning

Blog image for family reunions showing a family posing together with lots of smiles.

By: Samantha Banks, Attorney at Law [Family Reunions] Summary: Family reunions, despite their potential for chaos, often serve as a surprising catalyst for estate planning. These gatherings offer a unique chance to observe shifts in family dynamics and facilitate important conversations about long-term care or business succession. They also bring to light changes in family structure, like new marriages or … Read More

Honoring those that Protect Our Community: Serving the Westfield Police Department with Estate Planning and Peace of Mind.

Jenny Rozelle with a member of Westfield Police Department.

By: Jennifer (Jenny) Rozelle Summary: Indiana Estate and Elder Law provided free estate planning services to nearly 50 Westfield Police Department officers and staff, a heartfelt gesture to support those who serve and protect the community. The firm emphasizes the importance of proactive estate planning for everyone, regardless of profession, and offers workshops and consultations to guide individuals through the … Read More

Securing Your Future: The Importance of Estate Planning for Every Stage of Life

Blended family posing all together.

Summary: Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn’t just for the elderly or wealthy; it’s essential for everyone over 18, especially families, to address unexpected events like medical emergencies or incapacity. This blog highlights the importance of having a plan in place to protect loved ones and preserve relationships, and invites readers to a workshop to learn more. According to … Read More

The Perfect Time to Get Your Estate Plan In Order

Lisa Burris assisting client with signing documents.

Summary: Life gets hectic, and it’s easy to push estate planning to the back burner, but Indiana Estate and Elder Law reminds us that putting it off can create unnecessary stress and complications for your loved ones. They encourage you to overcome common hurdles like lack of time, fear of mortality, and feeling overwhelmed by seeking professional guidance and taking … Read More

A Parkinson’s Diagnosis Has Hit Close to Home. Now What?

Old woman looking sad with her face in her hand. Another woman crouches beside her to comfort her.

Summary: After a Parkinson’s diagnosis, it’s crucial to prioritize emotional processing alongside practical planning, building a strong support system of both personal and professional contacts. Key steps include assessing home safety, utilizing therapies, connecting with support organizations, and ensuring legal and financial affairs are in order, with resources like the Indiana Parkinson Foundation available to assist. First, take a breath. … Read More

The Importance of Creating an Estate Plan

Someone reading through documents.

Summary: Planning your estate is a thoughtful act for your family, easing their burden during a difficult time, and it’s something everyone should consider, not just the wealthy. The Cost of Failing to Prepare Your Estate Plan “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”  How many times have we heard these familiar words of Benjamin Franklin?  In all … Read More