Blog Articles

Book An Initial Call Now

Putting Homes in Living Trusts Can Be a Bad Idea

October 22, 2026
A living trust can offer meaningful estate planning benefits, but placing a home into one without considering the potential drawbacks may create problems for homeowners and their families.
Read More

Handling Problematic Assets that Don't Belong in a Will

October 21, 2026
A will is an important part of an estate plan. However, it is not designed to handle every type of asset or instruction. Putting the wrong property or information into a will can create confusion, delays, or unintended consequences for heirs.
Read More

Elder Law Firms are Critical to Long-Term Care Planning

October 20, 2026
Long-term care planning involves Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, powers of attorney and the legal consequences of decisions made years before care is needed. This complexity is why a qualified elder law firm makes all the difference.
Read More

Estate Planning Basics Everyone Needs to Know

October 19, 2026
Many avoid the topic and put off making plans.
Read More

Three Ways Market Volatility Can Benefit Your Estate Plan

October 17, 2026
Market declines can create challenges for investors. However, periods of volatility may also present opportunities to make strategic estate planning decisions.
Read More

Can I Leave Money Directly to My Grandchildren?

October 16, 2026
It is possible. However, it needs to be done through specific legal tools, not just a verbal decision or a simple will.
Read More

The Assets You Shouldn't Put in a Living Trust

October 15, 2026
A living trust can be an effective estate planning tool, but transferring every asset into a trust is not always necessary or appropriate. Understanding which assets belong in a trust, and which may be better handled another way, can help prevent unnecessary complications.
Read More

Secrets From the Ultra-Wealthy to Protect Wealth Over Generations

October 14, 2026
The ultra-wealthy don't just have more money than 62% of Americans. They have a handful of estate planning secrets to help protect and pass on their wealth.
Read More

When Does a Person Become Incapacitated?

October 13, 2026
Understanding the terms used by medical and legal professionals can make it easier for families to describe what they are seeing, ask the right questions and determine what steps may be appropriate.
Read More

Getting Ahead of the Future with Estate Planning for Medicaid

October 12, 2026
Revocable living trust offers zero Medicaid protection because assets remain fully countable, a costly mistake families discover only at nursing home intake.
Read More
Let Us Help You Through This

Reach Out Now

What Sets Us Apart
We understand this process can be difficult. We ease you through it with your best interest in mind.

Legal problems are extremely stressful, especially when your family, your health, or your freedom are at stake. At this point in time, you may not even be sure what kinds of questions you need to ask a lawyer, but that’s entirely normal. Whether your situation involves family law, estate planning, elder law, a criminal charge, or a personal injury, we will start by giving you all the information you need.

The way we see it, you deserve to get this information directly from an expert. That’s why we make it easy for you to get in touch with your lawyer, and we never ask you to sit down with a paralegal or assistant instead.

As our relationship continues, we will keep you updated about the status of your case every step of the way. Your lawyer will reach out regularly to tell you about any new developments, and he will also be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the process.

Join Our eNewsletter

Stay informed and updated by subscribing to our eNewsletter!
Subscribe Now!
Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III

805 Bigley Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302

Get Directions
Integrity Marketing Solutions - Estate Planning Marketing
Powered by