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Published on October 14, 2020. Last Updated on October 28, 2025.As an elder law attorney, one of the most common questions I hear is, What kind of estate planning do I really need? The truth is that no two estate plans are the same. Each persons goals, family circumstances, and financial situation shape the details. However, there are a few core legal documents that everyone, regardless of age, income, or health, should have in place. These documents form the foundation of every solid estate plan. They protect you during your lifetime, guide your loved ones if you become incapacitated, and ensure your wishes are carried out after your death. Without them, your family could face unnecessary financial complications or court involvement at an already difficult time. Lets walk through the essential components of a complete estate plan, why each is important, and how they work together to safeguard your future. 1. A Last Will and TestamentA last will and testament is the cornerstone of most estate plans and for good reason. Its your opportunity to maintain control over what happens to your assets after your death.Your will allows you to:Designate who receives your property and assets.Appoint an executor to handle your estate.Name a guardian for minor children.Its important to understand that a will governs only probate assets property held solely in your name without a designated beneficiary. For example, your house, car, or personal belongings are typically included in your will. However, assets with joint ownership or beneficiary designations, such as retirement accounts or life insurance, pass directly to the named individuals. This means if your will leaves everything to your spouse but your life insurance still names a former partner, the insurance company must legally pay the named beneficiary, even if your will says otherwise. Without a valid will, your states intestacy laws decide who inherits your estate and that may not align with your wishes. For example, unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends typically receive nothing under intestacy laws. A well-drafted will ensures your property passes the way you intend and that the right person manages your estate. 2. Financial Durable Power of AttorneyA Financial Durable Power of Attorney (POA) gives someone you trust the authority to manage your finances if you become unable to do so. This could include paying bills, managing investments, selling property, or handling taxes. The term durable means the power continues even if you become incapacitated. You can also decide when the authority begins immediately upon signing, or only if a doctor determines you are unable to manage your affairs. Why does this matter? Without a durable POA, your family may need to go through the court process of guardianship or conservatorship to handle your finances. That process is often time-consuming, costly, and emotionally draining.For instance, one of my clients a retired teacher suffered a stroke and was unable to handle her bills or bank accounts. Because she didnt have a financial power of attorney, her daughter had to petition the court for guardianship, which took nearly three months and thousands of dollars in legal fees. Had a POA been in place, her daughter could have immediately stepped in to keep her mothers finances stable.By signing a durable financial POA in advance, you ensure that someone you trust can step in seamlessly if needed, without court involvement. 3. Health Care Power of Attorney and Living WillA Health Care Power of Attorney (also called a medical proxy) designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if youre unable to communicate your wishes. Your chosen person called your health care agent can talk with doctors, access medical records, and make treatment decisions consistent with your values and preferences.Often, this document is paired with a Living Will or Advance Health Care Directive, which outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, such as:Use of ventilators or feeding tubesPain management preferencesOrgan donationResuscitation decisions (DNR orders)Together, these documents ensure your medical wishes are respected and your loved ones arent left making difficult choices under stress.For example, one family I worked with had never discussed end-of-life wishes. When their father fell critically ill, his children disagreed about whether to continue life support. It caused painful family conflict at an already emotional time. If their father had completed a Living Will and appointed a health care proxy, his wishes would have been clear, and the family spared that anguish. Its also worth noting that your health care agent and financial agent dont have to be the same person. Many people choose different individuals based on who is best suited for each role. 4. Reviewing Beneficiary DesignationsOne of the most common and costly estate planning oversights involves outdated beneficiary designations on accounts such as:Life insurance policiesRetirement accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s)AnnuitiesTransfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) accountsThese assets bypass your will entirely and go directly to the listed beneficiaries. Thats why keeping them updated is critical.This mistake was made by one of my past clients whose ex-husband remained the listed beneficiary on her 401(k) despite her having remarried years earlier. When she passed away unexpectedly, the entire account legally went to her ex-spouse not her current husband because the plan administrator was bound by the designation on file.To avoid such outcomes, review beneficiary designations every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Your designations, will, and any trust should all work together to reflect a unified plan. 5. Guardianship Designation for Minor ChildrenIf you have children under 18, your estate plan should include a guardianship designation. List the names of those who will care for your children if something happens to you before they reach adulthood. Without a written designation, a court will decide who raises your children and that decision may not reflect your wishes.Its best to name both a primary guardian and an alternate guardian in case your first choice cannot serve. This gives the court clear direction and minimizes family disputes. Choosing a guardian can be emotional, but its one of the most loving steps you can take as a parent. It ensures your children are cared for by someone who shares your values, lifestyle, and parenting philosophy. Why These Estate Planning Basics MatterThese core documents your will, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and beneficiary designations form the foundation of a strong estate plan. Together, they:Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.Empower trusted individuals to manage your affairs if you cant.Protect your loved ones from unnecessary court involvement and stress.Even if you think you dont have much, estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Its about control, protection, and peace of mind. These documents ensure your voice is heard and your loved ones have clear guidance during difficult times. Updating Your Plan as Life ChangesEstate planning isnt something you do once and forget. Life changes and your plan should evolve with it.You should review your plan every few years or after major events, such as:Marriage or divorceBirth or adoption of a child or grandchildDeath or incapacity of a named agent or beneficiaryMajor financial changes (inheritance, sale of property, retirement)Relocation to another state (since laws vary by location) When You May Need More Advanced PlanningWhile these five basic documents cover most peoples needs, some situations require more advanced tools, such as:Revocable Living Trusts for privacy and probate avoidanceIrrevocable Trusts for asset protection and Medicaid planningSpecial Needs Trusts for beneficiaries with disabilitiesCharitable Trusts or Tax Planning Strategies for large estatesFor instance, a family business owner may need a succession plan to ensure smooth operations if something happens to them. Or a parent with a child who has special needs might establish a trust to provide long-term financial security without jeopardizing government benefits.Working with an experienced estate planning or elder law attorney helps identify which strategies best fit your goals. Common Estate Planning Mistakes to AvoidEven with the best intentions, mistakes happen. Some of the most common include:Failing to sign or properly execute documents.Forgetting to update documents after major life changes.Naming co-agents or co-executors who may not cooperate.Creating a trust but failing to transfer assets into it (funding the trust).Overlooking digital assets such as online accounts, passwords, and cryptocurrency.Not communicating your wishes to your family or agents.These errors can undermine your plans effectiveness. Avoid them by reviewing your documents regularly and seeking professional guidance before making significant updates. Get the Support You Need from Bellomo & AssociatesEstate planning doesnt have to feel overwhelming but it does have to be done right. At Bellomo & Associates, our experienced elder law and estate planning attorneys work closely with individuals and families to create customized plans that protect what matters most.From drafting or updating your last will and testament to developing comprehensive strategies for long-term care, Medicaid, and trusts, our team ensures that every aspect of your plan is thoughtfully designed and legally sound.Whether youre creating your first estate plan or revisiting an existing one, were here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Contact Bellomo & Associates today to schedule a consultation. Its never too early or too late to protect your future and give your family lasting peace of mind.

Boulder, CO: The Frasier Vakuru Marimba Band took center stage in Boston on November 5, 2025, delivering a show-stopping performance at the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting & Expo. Their appearance helped celebrate the installation of Frasier President & CEO Christie Hinrichs as Chair of the LeadingAge Board of Directors.The 12-member ensemble, residents of Frasier, a senior living community in Boulder, guided by their talented instructors at Kutandara Studio, played to a packed audience of more than 6,000 attendees. The group performs high-energy traditional African music, with strong roots in Zimbabwean marimba. Their name, Vakuru, is a Shona word meaning elders, honoring both the tradition of marimba music and the experience and wisdom of the musicians who play it.The bands formation began in 2024 after Frasier residents and marimba enthusiasts Max Krimmel and Bonnie Carol donated nine African-style marimbas to Frasier. Max built and hand-crafted the instruments himself, making the gift especially meaningful. Their gift launched a campus-wide musical movement and helped inspire the creation of two dedicated music studios on Frasiers campus, supported by more than $200,000 in resident and donor contributions. Today, these spaces serve as hubs for rehearsals, instruction, and joyful music-making.The Vakuru Marimba Band takes class once each week with their instructor and practices another day or two each week during eight-week sessions in the fall and spring. They perform regularly for the Frasier community. To prepare for their Boston debut, they devoted even more additional rehearsals to perfecting their sound!Working with older adults at Frasier has been a joy, says Amy Stewart McIntosh, Executive Director and co-founder at Kutandara. What's unique about this group of folks is the range of musical experience they bring; some made their livings as professional musicians, while others had no experience at all - and everywhere in between! We don't use written music to learn, so it challenges everyone to work together as a community of learners. The desire to perform naturally grows out of feeling successful as a team.Resident player and donor Bonnie Carol added, When Max and I donated our marimbas to Frasier back in 2021, we knew the amount of physical and mental study to learn the marimbas as well as the community produced by a band would be very beneficial to elders. Were thrilled Frasier could imagine those benefits and support the creation of this program.Vakuru Marimba band members include Jean Berwick, Susan Bogatin, Bonnie Carol, Diane Coulter, Joanne Dukes, Linda Gore, Reggie Gray, Kay Forsythe, Max Krimmel, Sara Mayer, Mitch Stahl, and Stephanie Wrotny. They are taught and coached by Kutandara Executive Director Amy Stewart McIntosh and Board Member Kari Armstrong.About FrasierFrasier is an independent, not-for-profit Life Plan community in Boulder, Colorado, committed to supporting older adults in living rich, meaningful lives. Its 20-acre campus includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, a wellness center, and on-site skilled nursing and rehabilitation services providing comprehensive care for nearly 500 residents. Founded in 1960, Frasier proudly celebrates 65 years of service to seniors. About Kutandara StudioKutandara uses joyful, group percussion to create meaningful and personal connections through music. The organization believes that music inspires, transforms, and binds us to one another and to the world around us. Its mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy and interdependence of making music together. Learn more about Frasier Seniors Blue Book Listing

At Bellomo & Associates, one of the biggest surprises we see in families is just how unprepared many older adults are for the reality of long-term care. Its understandable. Most of us want to believe we wont need it, or that Medicare will take care of everything. But the truth is much more complicated. Research shows that about 1 in 7 adults over the age of 65 will eventually need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating. This kind of support is what we call long-term care. And yet, too many people underestimate their chances of needing it, or assume its something to worry about later. Unfortunately, waiting often leaves families caught off guard when a crisis hits. Common Misconceptions About Long-Term CareRecent surveys show just how unprepared many adults are:Less than half of adults over 50 believe theyll ever need long-term care.Only about one-quarter have named a potential caregiver or put a medical power of attorney in place.Just 11% have purchased long-term care insurance.Nearly two-thirds mistakenly believe that Medicare will pay for permanent nursing home care.That last one is especially concerning. Medicare was never designed to cover long-term custodial care. It may help with short-term skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, but it will not cover permanent nursing home costs. Medicaid, on the other hand, can cover these expensesbut only if you meet very strict income and asset requirements. Without careful planning, families often find themselves needing to spend down what theyve worked so hard to save to qualify.  Why Early Planning MattersWaiting until a health crisis forces the issue leaves families scrambling emotionally, legally, and financially. Planning, on the other hand, gives you options and peace of mind. With the right strategies in place, you can:Protect your home and savings from being lost to care costsQualify for Medicaid without last-minute spend down stressPut the right powers of attorney in place so trusted loved ones can step in if neededHave open, guided conversations with your family about your wishes before a crisis occursHow We Can HelpWe understand how difficult it is to picture needing help with daily life after being independent for so long. Thats why we approach long-term care planning with compassion, honesty, and realistic solutions. Whether its reviewing your options for Medicaid eligibility, setting up powers of attorney, or exploring long-term care insurance, well walk beside you every step of the way. Long-term care planning is one of those things that feels easy to put offuntil its too late. The earlier you prepare, the more control youll have over your care, your finances, and your familys future.