Here’s To Alaska and Me!
I love folk music. I love it for its musical simplicity and the great storytelling. One fabled musical storyteller with ties to Alaska was John Denver. Maybe you had the pleasure of seeing him in concert or on one of the many TV shows or movies he was a part of for...
Estate Planning: Why We Put it Off
Does estate planning make your uncomfortable? Or are you one of one of millions of Americans who are putting it off? Did you know experts predict that over $68 trillion in wealth will be transferred over the next 25 years? It's the estate planners and administrators...
Charitable Giving Through Your Estate Plan
Charitable giving is one of the many aspects of your estate plan. You don't have to be wealthy to leave a positive impact on your community. In fact, there are several ways to include charitable giving in your estate plan, regardless of your financial situation. The...
July, August & September Virtual Workshop Dates
Law Office of Constance A. Aschenbrenner In response to the Corona Virus, my office is offering Free Virtual Estate Planning Webinars “The 7 Threats to Your Estate Plan” REGISTER HERE ONLINE There is no cost or obligation. Open to the public. This Workshop covers...
Donate to a Special Needs Charity or Non-Profit With Your IRA
Special Needs charities often depend heavily on charitable contributions. A donation to such an organization can help sustain programs and services for so many. If you are over 70 ½ years old, you can donate some or all over your IRA to a special needs charity or the...
Who Will Care For Rusty & Coco?
A couple of weeks ago, I ventured into the local pet big box store to buy some of my dog’s favorite treats. It was a busy Saturday, and on Saturdays all across the country, this pet store chain holds adoption events. I love adoption day at the pet store; so many new...
June, July & August Virtual Workshop Dates
Law Office of Constance A. Aschenbrenner In response to the Corona Virus, my office is offering Free Virtual Estate Planning Webinars “The 7 Threats to Your Estate Plan” There is no cost or obligation. Open to the public. This Workshop covers frequently asked...
Lessons From An Explorer
I was reading a bit of history the other day and came across the record of James Cook, who is credited with the founding of Anchorage. My, what achievements he accomplished in his short fifty year lifespan – and what devastating losses! A Wonderful Student Cook was...
Arrivals & Departures
I recently returned from a trip to the Lower forty-eight. Those of us who live in the Air Crossroads of the World, know that to get anywhere quickly outside our own glorious Alaska, you must fly. As I sat in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport awaiting my...
Resilience and Preparedness
No doubt, the year 2020 will be defined by one word – Coronavirus. As I write this, the world is still in the process of reducing the impact of this aggressive threat. Many of us holed up at home for days or weeks on end. We haven’t yet gotten to the place of...
I’m Single. I Don’t Need A Will. Right?
WRONG! Let me preface this post by saying that’s my personal opinion, and you are welcome to have a different point of view. After all, you say, I don’t have any relatives; I don’t care what happens to my stuff. I can tell you with confidence that the State of Alaska...
Living In The Age Of Uncertainty
These are uncertain times. As I write this, the country is coming to grips with the impact of a worldwide illness that is methodically marching through country after country – the Coronavirus. Cancellations Large gatherings are cancelled. Businesses are encouraging...
Elder Care Law for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Care for dementia patients is improving quickly. That's good news for families and loved ones of those suffering from Alzheimer's and similar diseases. But if you are caring for someone with declining mental abilities today, there are some steps you can and should...
Your Elder Law Attorney is Your Trip Planner
A great elder law attorney is like a trip planner, for your life. Think of it this way. Would you leave for a cross country road trip without preparing for it first? Of course not, you say, particularly in a setting as challenging as Anchorage, Alaska. And yet, people...
Using a Professional Administrator For Your Child’s Special Needs Trust
Sometimes a professional administrator is an excellent choice for your child's Special Needs Trust. A professional administrator is usually experienced in the processes of the court. This can be beneficial when managing a trust. In addition to paying bills, trustees...
A Quick Guide For the Long-Distance Caregiver
Serving as a caregiver can be a challenge, when your loved one is far away. But with a little planning, you’ll be able to ensure he’s getting the care he needs, even if you aren’t there with him. A Caregiver Needs Access to Health Information Knowledge is key here....
Estate Plan Changes and Updates
Did you know you need to update your estate plan on a regular basis? Your estate plan is a snapshot of your life the way it was at the time it was created. However, over time, your family structure, your assets, and the tax laws change, so you should set a schedule to...
Can a Long-Lost Sibling Inherit Your Parents’ Estate?
Discovering long-lost siblings has almost become a common occurrence. New DNA technology and the popularity of family tree search tools has made it easier than ever to dig into your ancestry. But what happens when you uncover a new sibling? Including them at Christmas...
Plan For Your Pet
Creating a plan for your pet may sound silly to some. But for many of us, especially seniors, our pets are our family members. Do you have a plan for your pet if you were incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently? What if you needed to go into residential care...
Support Our Students, Support Our Future
Anchorage students go back to school Thursday, August 15. They will return to classes carrying book bags filled with new supplies. Unfortunately, those pens and notebooks won't last long. So at our office we purchase extra school supplies this time of year, and give...
Funeral Planning
Funeral planning may sound morbid, but it can be your final gift to your family. You’ll have the opportunity to ensure the service is a reflection of your life with the music you’d like played or the readings you want included. It can save your family from having to...
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is an important piece of your estate plan. Most people don’t want to give up control of their financial affairs or have others make medical decisions for them. But if you become mentally incompetent or physically incapacitated and can’t manage your...
Talking About Your Estate Plan
Talking about your estate plan might make you uncomfortable, but it shouldn't. Dying is just another life stage. It's the most natural thing in the world. But there is something that keeps us from acknowledging our own mortality. Unfortunately that discomfort also...
Guardian and Conservator Exploitation
If you are appointed a guardian or conservator of an individual, it is vital that you understand Alaska law regarding conservator exploitation. It is so unfortunate, but from time to time the court has to deal with situations where vulnerable citizens have been taken...
Law Office of Constance A. Aschenbrenner
907-334-9200
205 E. Benson Blvd., Suite 121-D Anchorage, Alaska
