Getting Your Legal House in Order

Overview

Discover peace of mind with this approachable, step-by-step plan for getting your financial, legal, and estate plans together. The law impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, yet we seldom reflect on the tools, documents, and procedures that allow our society to function. From property and contracts to insurance and estate planning, these issues can be intimidating, but getting on top of your legal affairs is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family.

This course, taught by author and elder law attorney Sally Balch Hurme, provides a practical and accessible look at what you need to do to secure your future. With 18 eye-opening lectures, you will gain a wealth of knowledge about personal legal issues, making it a must-watch for people of any age.

Video Lessons

01: Get Your Legal Life Together Now!

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Survey what makes up your legal house, from everyday documents to estate planning tools, and take an inventory to get started.

02: Reducing Debt by Reading the Fine Print

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Review major types of consumer debt, considerations before taking on debt, and the relationship between debt and your credit score.

03: Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Learn strategies to defend yourself against identity theft and understand how thieves operate.

04: Knowing Your Property Rights

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Explore the rights, responsibilities, and restrictions associated with owning and renting property.

05: Deciding Whether a Timeshare Is for You

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Investigate the costs and benefits of timeshares to determine if they are a wise investment.

06: Choosing the Insurance You Need

• Duration: 29 min

• Description: Unpack common types of insurance and understand policies and coverage to ensure you are adequately protected.

07: Figuring Out Your Retirement Finances

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Learn about financial instruments like 401(k)s, IRAs, and annuities to prepare for retirement.

08: Making the Most of Medicare and Medicaid

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Understand the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid to maximize your medical insurance options.

09: Weighing the Benefits of Reverse Mortgages

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Discover what a reverse mortgage is, how it works, and the pros and cons of using one.

10: Comparing Retirement Communities

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Survey various age-specific communities and what to consider when planning your finances for retirement living.

11: Drafting Your Estate Plan

• Duration: 33 min

• Description: Reflect on the importance of a will and what to include in your estate plan.

12: Understanding and Using Trusts

• Duration: 30 min

• Description: Demystify trusts, their purpose, and how they fit into your estate plan alongside a will.

13: Controlling Who Gets Your Property

• Duration: 35 min

• Description: Explore property ownership rights and how to divide your estate according to your wishes.

14: Separating Probate Facts from Fiction

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Understand the probate process and how to make it smoother for your family.

15: Conveying Your Personal Wishes in Writing

• Duration: 27 min

• Description: Learn how to write letters of instruction for your final wishes to prevent family disputes.

16: Creating a Financial Power of Attorney

• Duration: 31 min

• Description: Discover the importance of having a power of attorney for health and financial matters.

17: Caregiving by Contract or Court Order

• Duration: 32 min

• Description: Study the legal aspects of caregiving, including compensation contracts and guardianship.

18: Preparing Medical Advance Directives

• Duration: 34 min

• Description: Delve into advanced care planning and how to communicate your health care wishes to your family.