Law Office of Laura L. Ergood, LLC

08/03/2026

Takeaways Nursing home care costs have been rising over time, with many older Americans who require long-term care unable to afford it. With proper planning, seniors may be able to rely on Medicaid to pay for this care – and still...

07/31/2026

Takeaways Even large estates come down to the same core questions: who inherits, who’s in charge, and what happens if heirs disagree. Shared ownership can create conflict; complex assets need clear rules and buyouts. A will can transfer property, but it may not...

07/30/2026

Takeaways Assisted living can be a good fit for someone with dementia who needs help with daily activities and supervision but does not require 24/7 medical care in a nursing home. Memory care usually means a more structured, dementia-informed environment within assisted...

07/27/2026

Takeaways Current laws don’t fully protect your identity (your voice, image, and data) from being used to create an artificial intelligence (AI) replica after you die. Without explicit instructions in your estate plan, a family member could legally create an AI...

07/24/2026

Takeaways Although age is not a protected category under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), many older adults are protected from housing discrimination through the law’s disability protections. The FHA applies to many types of housing and prohibits discrimination, including denied reasonable...

07/23/2026

Takeaways When a child turns 18, parents no longer have automatic access to their medical records or financial accounts. Powers of attorney and HIPAA authorization forms can help parents assist in an emergency. These documents should be completed before the student leaves for...

07/19/2026

Takeaways A revocable living trust can do more than avoid probate court: It can keep your finances running smoothly if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your affairs). Unlike a will, a trust can authorize a successor trustee to manage trust-held assets...

07/14/2026

Takeaways An executor manages your estate settlement, which includes locating assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing property to beneficiaries. A family member can be cost-effective and personally invested, but the role is time-consuming and can strain relationships, especially when emotio...

08/23/2025

Did your child graduate high school? Is your child 18 years old? Maybe your child is heading to college. Then it is time for your child to have a financial durable power of attorney and medical power of attorney.

08/13/2025