Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law

Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law Your law firm, for life. Applegate Elder Law is a firm that provides legal expertise for seniors and their families.

We focus on Life Care Planning, a proactive and holistic approach to elder law. Carol Applegate B.S.N., M.S.Ed., MSN, J.D., is a certified family mediator, registered nurse, and an experienced elder law attorney. Carol holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from IU and earned two master’s degrees in education, as well as a law degree from the Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, MI. Her nursing an

d legal backgrounds together give her unique insight int o the challenges faced by families planning for the future.

It might be hard to say “estate mistakes” four times fast … but it’s fairly easy to make four of them fast 🤔 That’s why ...
06/03/2026

It might be hard to say “estate mistakes” four times fast … but it’s fairly easy to make four of them fast 🤔 That’s why we’re sharing four common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

🖋️ Failing to include power of attorney - A power of attorney names someone you trust to act in your stead should you become incapable of making important decisions.
🖋️ Misunderstanding your estate plan - Take the time to read through and understand the plan, what it entails, and what will happen when it is put in motion.
🖋️ Forgetting to update it as circumstances change - We suggest you revise your plan at least every 5 years to make sure your current wishes are reflected and followed.
🖋️ Failing to fund revocable trusts - Assets owned by the trust are protected from being tied up in probate court. Your attorney will draw up the appropriate paperwork, but you will need to transfer the relevant assets to the trust.

Share this post to spread the word ➡️ Have questions about estate planning or thinking it’s time to review your current plan? Feel free to give us a call at(317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com for more information! We’re here to help.

Our Client Care Advocate, Liz, is celebrating her first year at our firm this month! We're so thankful she's a part of o...
06/03/2026

Our Client Care Advocate, Liz, is celebrating her first year at our firm this month! We're so thankful she's a part of our Life Care Planning team. Thanks for a great year, Liz!

As we reach the midpoint of the year, it is a good time to pause and ask: Does your estate plan still reflect your curre...
06/01/2026

As we reach the midpoint of the year, it is a good time to pause and ask: Does your estate plan still reflect your current wishes and circumstances?

Here are a few important questions to consider:

🔹 Have you experienced a major life change? Marriage, divorce, remarriage, the birth or adoption of a child or grandchild, a death in the family, purchasing a new home, starting a new business, or retirement can all impact how your plan operates.

🔹 Do your decision-makers not align with your wishes anymore? Your executor, trustee, and powers of attorney should be individuals who are still willing and able to serve when needed.

🔹 Could your assets and beneficiary designations use a quick review? Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and property titles should align with your will or trust to avoid unintended outcomes.

🔹 Has it simply been a while since you checked in on your plan? Even without major life changes, estate plans should still be reviewed periodically to remain current with evolving laws and aligned with your long-term goals.

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then do not hesitate to contact us at (317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com to schedule a review of your estate plan. We are here to help you keep everything aligned and up to date.

Not everything that holds value is listed on a bank statement or investment portfolio. While your estate plan may cover ...
05/29/2026

Not everything that holds value is listed on a bank statement or investment portfolio. While your estate plan may cover financial accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, or annuities, it’s just as important to consider the sentimental items — things like family heirlooms, handwritten letters, photo albums, and recipe books.

Swipe to learn more ➡️ Need support updating or creating your estate plan? Give us a call at (317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com for guidance on protecting what matters most.

Once a child becomes a legal adult, parents no longer have automatic rights to make medical or financial decisions on th...
05/27/2026

Once a child becomes a legal adult, parents no longer have automatic rights to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf, even in an emergency. That is why it is so important to have the right legal documents in place. Swipe to learn more.

If your child needs help preparing or executing these documents, we can help. Give us a call today at (317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com for more information.

Americans are living longer than in previous generations, and this increase in longevity means adjustments to savings st...
05/21/2026

Americans are living longer than in previous generations, and this increase in longevity means adjustments to savings strategies and retirement age are necessary.

But what about estate planning? Plans need to cater not just to living longer but living well, including needing significant health care or assisted living services.

Whether it's setting up trusts, discussing health directives, or protecting against undue influence, we're here to help you plan a secure, fruitful future. Reach out today at (317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com for more information.

Unmarried couples often face additional hurdles because they don’t have the legal protections that marriage provides. Ev...
05/19/2026

Unmarried couples often face additional hurdles because they don’t have the legal protections that marriage provides. Even in states that recognize common law marriage, proving your rights can be complex. Without formal safeguards, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a few considerations for estate planning, especially for unmarried couples. Swipe to read ↩️

Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and ensure your assets are secured for your family’s future. Give us a call at 463-294-2341 with any questions or needs you may have.

The Estate Planning Attorney will work directly with clients and families to design and implement comprehensive estate p...
05/19/2026

The Estate Planning Attorney will work directly with clients and families to design and implement comprehensive estate plans tailored to each client’s goals, family dynamics, financial circumstances, and long-term planning objectives.

If you think you could be a match, check out the job description on our website.

If you or a loved one has been scammed, it can feel incredibly stressful and overwhelming. The good news is that there a...
05/15/2026

If you or a loved one has been scammed, it can feel incredibly stressful and overwhelming. The good news is that there are dedicated resources to help you recover funds, protect your identity, and report fraud.

🔹 FTC Fraud Reporting - Report fraud and get personalized recovery steps at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

🔹 FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) - Report internet-facilitated crimes at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

🔹 Identity Theft Recovery - Get a recovery plan at https://www.identitytheft.gov/, the U.S. government's official identity theft website

🔹 AARP Fraud Watch Network - Reach out for support and guidance at https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/

The best thing you can do if you believe that you’ve been scammed is to report the fraud immediately. And remember, you are not alone.

We hope that you find this information helpful. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance within the team’s area of expertise.

Estate planning can be complex, especially for high-net-worth individuals who may face unique challenges, such as tax co...
05/11/2026

Estate planning can be complex, especially for high-net-worth individuals who may face unique challenges, such as tax complexity, wealth preservation, and (in some cases) business succession. The good news: proper planning can significantly reduce the taxes on your estate, helping you leave more behind for your loved ones.

To help high-net-worth individuals in our network, our team created a short estate planning checklist. Read the graphic to learn.

For personalized estate planning guidance, give our office a call at (317) 492-9569 or visit our website at www.dillman-owen.com for more information. Plan today for peace of mind tomorrow.

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