Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law

Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law Your law firm, for life. Elder law | Estate Planning | Probate & Guardianship

At Dillman Law Group, we focus on Elder Law, Estate Planning and Family Law.

But these are just legal terms for what we do. In essence, we help our clients protect the people they love and the assets they own through proper planning. We counsel families faced with the stress and uncertainty inherent in caring for aging loved ones and protecting assets threatened by the rising cost of health care, contested estates, creditors, or divorce. We invite you to explore our websit

e to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how we can assist you. Better yet, why not contact us for a consultation? We welcome the opportunity to meet you in person, get to know you, and work closely with you to achieve your planning goals and/or provide experienced legal advice in a family dispute. Let’s talk soon. Check out our blog! http://www.dillmanlawgroup.com/blog/

Wondering what happens to debt after someone passes away? It’s a question we often get, and understanding how debt impac...
06/17/2026

Wondering what happens to debt after someone passes away? It’s a question we often get, and understanding how debt impacts an estate can make a big difference in planning for the future.

Here’s what you should know:

☑️ Secured vs. Unsecured Debt – Secured debts, like mortgages, are tied to assets and may require property sales to settle. Unsecured debts, like credit cards, are paid from the estate but typically don’t affect specific assets.

☑️ Cosigners and Joint Account Holders – Surviving cosigners or joint account holders are often responsible for shared debts, so planning can help prevent unexpected burdens.

☑️ Community Property States – In certain states, spouses may be liable for each other's debts, making estate planning crucial for clarity and preparation.

☑️ Debt in Probate – During probate, creditors may file claims against the estate. Thoughtful planning can ease this process and protect heirs.

Have questions about your estate plan? Contact us at (317) 492-9569 to discuss your plan and protect what matters most.

Ever wonder what the difference between conservatorship and guardianship is. Well, the answer is a bit difficult because...
06/16/2026

Ever wonder what the difference between conservatorship and guardianship is. Well, the answer is a bit difficult because it actually depends on the state!

In some states, they are two different roles, with conservatorship being over assets like land, money, and bank accounts, and guardianship being over only the person.

In other states, they are the same person, with the guardian/conservator overseeing both the individual and their assets.

Hopefully that made things clear as mud. If you have questions about guardianship specific to your state, feel free to reach out to us at (317) 492-9569 – we’ll always be happy to help.

When life takes an unexpected turn, do you know who will make decisions for you if you are unable to? That is where a po...
06/11/2026

When life takes an unexpected turn, do you know who will make decisions for you if you are unable to? That is where a power of attorney (POA) comes in. A POA is a legal tool that allows you to appoint someone you trust to act on your behalf. Swipe to learn more.

Choosing the right type of POA ensures your wishes are honored and your affairs are managed in accordance with your values. Call us today at (317) 492-9569 to get started.

Disputes over estates and inheritances can arise for various reasons, from unclear wills to perceived unfair distributio...
06/08/2026

Disputes over estates and inheritances can arise for various reasons, from unclear wills to perceived unfair distributions and complex family dynamics. These conflicts can be emotionally draining and financially costly for loved ones, but they can often be prevented or resolved with the right approach.

Swipe for common causes of disputes over inheritance, as well as some strategies to help mitigate them ↩️

Remember, seeking legal advice is crucial when navigating conflicts over estates. Our team of attorneys can provide guidance and help protect your family's interests at all stages of the estate planning process.

Give our office a call anytime at (317) 492-9569.

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.

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