TURN TO A FIRM WHERE YOU'RE TREATED LIKE FAMILY TURN TO ATKINSON LAW

BLOG

How to Talk to Your Parents About Estate Planning

Did you know that less than 23% of people between the ages of 35-54 have estate planning documents completed? Even adults who are 55 and older are less than 50% likely to have an estate plan, as the number has fallen from 60% in 2019 to just 44% today. These statistics are alarming, as it means that over half of the older adults who pass away have not formalized their wishes. Approaching the topic of estate planning with your parents might seem daunting, but it's a crucial conversation to ensure their wishes are respected. Here are some tips to guide you through this important discussion.
Read More

How an Irrevocable Trust Can Help You Qualify for Medicaid

As the average life expectancy increases and there are many new medical treatments introduced that can help prolong our lives, more and more adults find themselves facing the prospect of long-term care at some point. Unfortunately, assisted living and nursing home facilities can be prohibitively expensive, and you might find yourself spending all the savings you’ve worked so hard to accumulate in order to live. One way around this is an irrevocable trust.
Read More

4 Common Reasons to Revise a Will in Maryland

Did you know that only 32% of Americans have a will? One of the reasons why some people are hesitant to complete estate planning is that they assume everything is set in stone the moment they sign the documents. However, your will in Maryland can be edited as much as you require to make sure that it perfectly reflects your wishes. What are some of the reasons why you might need to revise a will?
Read More

Considerations When Naming an Executor in Your Will

Planning for the future is critical, even if it can be scary or uncomfortable to do so. Crafting a will is a crucial step in securing your legacy and ensuring your wishes are honored. Equally important is the selection of an executor—a decision that demands thoughtful consideration and foresight. An executor is entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out your last wishes. This role involves a variety of tasks, ranging from managing assets to handling financial affairs. The choice of an executor should not be taken lightly.
Read More

The Dangers of Opioid Addiction: Violation of Probation

Throughout the world, approximately 296 million people use drugs at least once a year. Out of that number, a whopping 60 million of them were abusing opioids. Because opioids are uniquely addictive and potent, opioid addiction is a serious problem. While many people think of drunk driving, drugged driving can be just as dangerous and lead to legal consequences, including probation. Just like alcoholism, opioid addiction can also be overwhelming and lead to an increased risk of violation of probation.
Read More

The Dangers of an Opioid Addiction

According to the CDC, over 75% of the drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid, many of which were synthetic. Opioid addiction is very common in today’s world, and many people find themselves in the grip of addiction facing legal consequences as a result. What are some of the dangers of opioid addiction, and how can you get help?
Read More

The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction: Violation of Probation After a DUI

Alcohol addiction is a problem across all age groups and demographics in the United States. Every month, approximately 60 million Americans aged 12 and older report binge drinking at least once, including 23.5% of men in the age group and 19.5% of women in the age group. One of the many dangers of alcohol addiction is receiving a DUI. Unfortunately, because alcohol addiction is a very real disease, violation of probation after a DUI sometimes occurs.
Read More

The Dangers of Alcohol Addiction

A 2021 survey found that 219.2 million people aged 12 and older (or over 78% of people in the age bracket) had consumed alcohol at some point in their lives. While this includes one-time alcohol consumption, it also illuminates how commonplace alcohol is in our culture and our lives. Many adults are able to control their alcohol consumption, but many others struggle and experience the dangers of alcohol addiction firsthand. What are some of the potential legal consequences of alcohol addiction?
Read More

The Things You Must Account For in Your Estate Plan

Your estate plan is one of the most critical ways that you can protect the financial future of your family, your assets, and your wishes for what happens when you are no longer here. Whether you have a large family or it’s just you, it is still critical to create an estate plan. What are some of the types of things that you need to account for in your estate plan?
Read More