Blog & Updates

The United States Department of Labor issued a new rule related to overtime that could impact many employers in our area. To be exempt from overtime, most employees must meet a duties test AND a salary level.

Elder abuse affects some of our most vulnerable citizens—our seniors. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of elder abuse and understand the steps to take if suspected. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial, or neglect. Physical abuse may be shown as unexplained injuries, while emotional abuse could involve threats or intimidation. Financial abuse might include unusual bank activities or changes in estate documents. Neglect is often evident when an elder appears poorly cared for or malnourished.Recognition of the abuse is the first step in getting the abused person help. Watch for changes in behavior or appearance that might […]

Many small business owners are great at building and growing a business. As we age, it becomes increasingly important to prepare for retirement and the transition of the business to other partners or family members. Small businesses must be prepared for retirements or the sudden death or illness of leadership. One reason to have a plan in place is for the benefit of your customers or clients. Another reason is to protect your business and any employees from sudden undue hardship caused by your departure. Having a transition plan in place helps ensure that customers and clients are comfortable with […]

If you are married at the time of your death, then yes, your spouse has certain rights to your estate. First, Indiana law automatically grants your spouse a survivor’s allowance. Currently, this allowance amount is $25,000.

A Transfer on Death Deed is a document that is recorded at your local county recorder’s office prior to your passing.  This deed automatically transfers property ownership to the named beneficiaries when the owner of the property dies.  The beneficiary listed on the deed can be one individual, multiple people, or a charity. The main objective of this type of deed is to avoid probate.  After the property owner passes away, an additional document is filed with the local county recorder’s office to transfer ownership in the county records to the beneficiaries.  While this is a great way to avoid probate, […]

Everyone should eventually plan for the end of life by making sure all end-of-life expenses (funeral, burial, etc.), debts, and assets will be addressed as desired. Inadequate or inaccessible liquidity seems to be the most prevalent culprit either because the deceased did not have enough available resources; or quite often those resources are left outside the estate to beneficiaries who refuse to contribute to those expenses. Planning for end-of-life expenses means making sure your personal representative, executor, or Trustee have clear instructions and access to available funds at death. Otherwise, illiquid assets such as real estate and personal property must […]

Promotion Recognizes Legal Excellence in Elder Law and Estate PlanningFORT WAYNE, IN – January 22, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, is delighted to announce the election of Jesica Thorson as a Partner in the Fort Wayne-based firm, effective January 1, 2024.Jesica Thorson earned a J.D. in 2008 from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, and joined Beers Mallers 15 years ago. Her practice includes Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Asset Preservation, Trust Administration, Veterans Affairs (VA) Aid and Assistance, and Medicaid Planning.“Being promoted to partner is an exciting opportunity, and I am thrilled to grow my elder […]