What Happens If Your Child Dies Before You?
The majority of people we see name their adult children as beneficiaries of their estate plan. In most cases, this works well because children typically outlive their parents. But, what happens when a child dies before the parent? What becomes of the inheritance that...
Words to Live By
I don’t know about you, but I like to surround myself with things that motivate, inspire, encourage or comfort me. And apparently a lot of other people like to surround themselves with positive sayings, too. Look at the market for word wall art and refrigerator...
The Forget-Me-Nots of June
I can’t believe June is here already! With the bloom of Alaska’s beautiful wildflowers, I am reminded that we, too, are rejuvenated with the thought of outside activities. Today, I want to write about one of my favorite wildflowers, Forget-Me-Nots. This humble, but...
Write a Note to Self
April showers bring May flowers. Snow free trails invite biking and hiking. Planning a summer escape to your favorite get away. What are you up to? As I write this, I guess I am looking inside and wondering. When I saw the following "note to self" on the internet, I...
Simplifying a Complex Subject
What are you thinking about as we head into spring here in Anchorage? What are you hoping to do this spring, this summer, this year, next year? I am really looking forward to everything I want to do and add to my calendar. The dump trucks are driving down my street as...
Serving Our Community
It’s March, the month we celebrate all things Irish, Girl Scout Cookies, especially Thin Mints, and the American Red Cross. Those three things have absolutely nothing in common, other than they’ve all made an impact on our culture! The calendar tells me that Spring is...
The Ultimate Act of Love
What does the ultimate act of love mean to you? February is here! It’s a month marked with pretty pink and red heart decorations, and flamboyant expressions of love. That’s what I’d like to talk about today – love, and what that looks like in real life, beyond the red...
A New Year
Happy New Year!! I hope this letter finds you and your family well and enjoying our new year, 2021. It seems like yesterday was the year 2000 and we were worried about all of the computers in the world. This year brings new concerns, but more importantly, it brings...
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....
