Wenzel & Wenzel, PLLC

08/27/2026

A living will ensures your preferences for emergency medical care are clearly documented if you become unable to communicate. Setting up your advance directives early protects your wishes and eases the burden on loved ones. Learn what to include: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/preparing-living-will

08/25/2026

Buying or selling a home? While "deed" and "title" are often used interchangeably, they serve very different legal functions in real estate. Understanding the distinction is vital to protecting your investment. Learn what every homeowner needs to know.

Deed and title aren’t the same—one is a document, the other a legal concept. Learn the key differences before buying or selling a home.

08/25/2026

A living trust keeps your assets out of probate court, but a will is still essential to appoint guardians for minor children. Pairing a trust with a backup "pour-over" will gives you complete protection. Learn the key differences between wills and trusts here.

https://www.willmaker.com/learn/living-trusts/trust-vs-will-do-you-need-both.html

08/20/2026

Can a nursing home hold family members personally responsible for a relative's care bills? Under federal law, admission contracts cannot force caregivers to guarantee payment from personal assets. Learn how to review agreements and protect your estate

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/know-your-rights-caregivers-and-nursing-home-debt/

08/18/2026

What happens to your assets if you pass away without a valid will? Dying intestate leaves major financial decisions to state probate courts instead of your loved ones. Learn how intestate succession works and why having a clear plan matters. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intestate.asp

08/13/2026

A complete estate plan does more than just outline who inherits your belongings. Key documents like a living will and power of attorney protect your medical preferences and financial assets if you ever become unable to make decisions for yourself. Ensuring these legal protections are updated and properly structured gives you and your family essential peace of mind.

It may make sense to hire an estate planning attorney to help formulate or review your estate plan for all but the simplest circumstances.

08/10/2026

A subject-to mortgage allows a buyer to take over making payments on an existing home loan while ownership transfers to their name. Even after the deed moves to the new owner, the original seller remains legally responsible for the mortgage debt. Understanding who holds the deed and who holds the loan helps protect both parties from unexpected surprises.

What is a subject-to mortgage?

With subject-to mortgages, the buyer agrees to take over the seller's mortgage payment

08/06/2026

Living wills and advance directives give you the legal right to choose your medical treatments before a health crisis happens. Creating these documents ensures that doctors and loved ones respect your personal healthcare preferences if you become unable to speak for yourself. Outlining your decisions ahead of time protects your independence and ensures your personal choices are honored.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/living-wills/art-20046303?

08/04/2026

Getting your financial and medical affairs in order helps ensure your personal choices are honored if you ever become unable to speak for yourself. Important documents like advance directives and powers of attorney give trusted loved ones the legal authority to handle your care and assets. Taking these steps protects your rights and makes your wishes clear to everyone involved.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/getting-your-affairs-order-checklist-documents-prepare-future?

07/30/2026

Completing a comprehensive estate plan—including drafting a will, appointing healthcare proxies, and updating beneficiary designations—ensures your assets pass smoothly to your heirs while avoiding costly probate court delays. Consulting an estate planning attorney helps you properly structure trusts, mitigate potential tax burdens, and secure legally binding protection for your family. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/10/estate-planning-checklist.asp