When’s the Best Time to Get an Estate Plan?

One of the frequent questions I get is - “when is the best time to get an estate plan?” How do I answer this question - that depends. Most often the answer I give is what you’ll read below: When all is well with you - that’s the best (ideal) time to get your estate … Continue reading When’s the Best Time to Get an Estate Plan?

My Mother Said, Once You Know Better, Do Better – Here’s How I Use Her Advice

On a recent bright and sunny morning, I had two conversations before 10 AM with individuals seeking information about estate planning. That's not unusual. However, the conversations were with family members seeking to learn about what can be done for a loved one who has some memory loss. The conversations went something like this: I … Continue reading My Mother Said, Once You Know Better, Do Better – Here’s How I Use Her Advice

Handwritten Notes Make A Will – Not So For Most of Us

Handwritten Will Valid or Not? From time to time, I get questions about handwritten wills. In particular, is a handwritten will valid? This is a loaded question. The response to the question will be based on Maryland law. Here’s a scenario that was presented to me: Mr. Bob Smith was sitting around one evening relaxing and … Continue reading Handwritten Notes Make A Will – Not So For Most of Us

Reality Check, You Have an Estate Like it or Not

   Here's something to think about. Few people realize that regardless of assets - we all have an estate.  What the digits look like on your bank statement do not matter when it comes to having an estate.  If you have no children or a lot of children, you have an estate.  Being a Millennial … Continue reading Reality Check, You Have an Estate Like it or Not

Getting a Medical Advance Directive is not as Painful as You Think

Health is a treasure and good health is even more valuable. The idea of planning for the day or possibility of being in poor health is not easy. After watching family members suffer for years with debilitating illnesses, I have a true appreciation for life, and the pricelessness of having good health. My mother was … Continue reading Getting a Medical Advance Directive is not as Painful as You Think

Maryland Governor Appoints Attorney Aquanetta J. Betts to the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council

Owings Mills, MD, 01/30/2017: The Law Office of Aquanetta J. Betts, LLC, is pleased to announce that Aquanetta J. Betts, Esq., has been appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council for a three year term that began October 2016. “ Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders … Continue reading Maryland Governor Appoints Attorney Aquanetta J. Betts to the Virginia I. Jones Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Council

Let’s Talk: Advance Directives, Living Wills, Planning Information and Personal Empowerment

Bring Dan Morhaim, M.D., and Aquanetta J. Betts, J.D., to Your Church or Place of Worship. End of Life Care Talk (Advance Directives, Living Wills, Planning Information - Personal Empowerment).  For scheduling or more information: call (410) 701-0127, email - talk@abettslaw.com or click here to complete and submit the Speaker Request Form. Click here to complete and … Continue reading Let’s Talk: Advance Directives, Living Wills, Planning Information and Personal Empowerment

Change Happens: Why you Should Update Your Estate Plan

A question that I am asked on a regular basis is, “How Often Should I Update my Estate Plan?” The question is not as clear-cut as you may think. Here is some information to keep in mind: Life: Weddings, births, new job, divorce, family dynamics, retirement, business ownership, new assets, illness, and death. Change Happens. … Continue reading Change Happens: Why you Should Update Your Estate Plan

Why Advance Planning has Benefits

During a presentation (11/07/15) at an event hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland, I was excited to hear some of the questions coming from audience members. Many of whom are caregivers navigating the challenges of taking care of a loved one with Dementia. A few of the questions revolved around issues related to: … Continue reading Why Advance Planning has Benefits

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland – Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss

Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss This free conference is named in honor of the parents of the Honorable Verna L. Jones-Rodwell, Ernestine Jones Jolivet, Alvin A. Jones, Pythias D. Jones, M.D. and the late Gilda Jones Garrett. Pythias A. and Virginia I were affected by dementia. The … Continue reading Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland – Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss