Blog & Updates

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 […]

Promotion Highlights Dedication to Real Estate Law and Client SuccessFORT WAYNE, IN – January 30, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, a leading law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is delighted to announce the election of Mike Hoffman as a Partner, effective January 1, 2024.Hoffman, who joined Beers Mallers in 2018, received his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2012. His practice focuses on Commercial and Residential Real Estate, Construction Law, and General Business.“Being promoted to partner is an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to growing my practice areas of commercial and residential real […]

Election Showcases Excellence in Elder Law and Estate Planning FORT WAYNE, IN – January 30, 2024 – Beers Mallers, LLP, a leading law firm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is pleased to announce the election of Troy Kiefer as a Partner, effective January 1, 2024. Kiefer earned a J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2008, and joined Beers Mallers in 2020. His practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Medicaid Planning, Guardianships, and Special Needs Trusts. “I am honored and thrilled to become a partner at Beers Mallers, LLP, and I look forward to continuing to serve […]

Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one is a significant decision. The goal is to find a facility that ensures the safety, comfort, and well-being of the resident. Firstly, consider the location. A nursing home close to family members allows for more frequent visits, which is vital for the emotional health of your loved one. Regular visits also enable you to monitor the care being provided. Secondly, assess the quality of care. Research each facility’s reputation and track record. Check state health department records for any violations. During visits, observe the interaction between staff and residents and ask […]