A dementia diagnosis can bring uncertainty for an individual and the entire family. Questions about health, independence, caregiving, finances, and the future suddenly become more urgent. But a diagnosis does not mean meaningful living stops. With thoughtful planning and the right support, people living with dementia can continue to experienceContinue Reading
Pictured are Donna Williams from LawyerLisa, speaker sponsor Kerry Powers, Lisa Hostetler Brown, and Optimist Club President David Kafitz. By Rick Abercrombie Lisa Hostetler Brown, known in South Carolina as “LawyerLisa,” spoke recently to St. Andrews Optimists at their Friday breakfast meeting. Donna Williams, LawyerLisa’s Markeing Director, was also inContinue Reading
Expert Answer: For many people, the word “trust” brings to mind wealthy families or complex tax planning. In reality, trusts are one of the most practical estate planning tools for ordinary families, including parents of young children, homeowners, and anyone who wants to make things easier for their loved ones.Continue Reading
What is OBBBA? The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, making tax provisions that were scheduled to expire at the conclusion of 2025 permanent under the law. The OBBBA directly impacts your tax situation, your retirement, funding and paying for education, andContinue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: As we approach Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, it’s worth remembering that reviewing your Medicare coverage is more than just a health care task—it’s also an important part of your overall estate planning strategy. Your estate plan isn’t just about whatContinue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: Owning property in more than one state can be a wonderful way to diversify your lifestyle or investments. Maybe you enjoy summers in the mountains and winters at the beach, or perhaps you own a family cabin in another state in additionContinue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: A Financial Power of Attorney (FPOA) is one of the most important documents you can put in place to protect yourself and your loved ones. It allows you to appoint someone you trust—called your “agent”—to handle your financial and legal mattersContinue Reading
SC Biz News has selected Jeanean Petoskey, Chief Executive Officer at LawyerLisa as a 2025 MOST INFLUENTIAL LEADERS honoree. Empowering Women Awards shine a light on companies and organizations that have demonstrated tangible efforts and documented results in supporting and elevating women in South Carolina. Winners were selected by membersContinue Reading
Irmo, SC – July 31, 2025 – LawyerLisa, LLC is proud to announce the appointment of Jeanean Petoskey as the firm’s new Chief Executive Officer. A widely respected leader in legal operations and business strategy, Ms. Petoskey brings a bold and forward-thinking vision to the firm as it continues toContinue Reading
By: Lisa Hostetler Brown, Managing Attorney, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: (Hint: It might not be Johnny!)Setting up an irrevocable trust is often a smart and effective way to protect your assets from long-term care costs, especially when pre-planning for Medicaid eligibility. However, this strategy works only if you choose the rightContinue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, LawyerLisa Elder Law & Estate Planning Center Expert Answer: In 2022, the world learned that actor Bruce Willis had been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects speech and language. A year later, his family shared that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD),Continue Reading
By Lisa Hostetler Brown, LawyerLisa Ask the Expert: How Do I Plan When My Children and Stepchildren Don’t Get Along? Expert Answer: Blended families are more common than ever, and with them come unique challenges—especially when it comes to estate planning. While love may bring families together, differing expectations, loyaltyContinue Reading
AIKEN, SC – June 25, 2025 — LawyerLisa, LLC, a leading elder law and estate planning firm serving South Carolina, is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Aiken, SC, and to welcome Attorney Karl Lutterloh to the team. The new Aiken office marks another exciting stepContinue Reading
By: Lisa Hostetler Brown, Certified Elder Law Attorney*, LawyerLisa Ask the Expert: Can Annuities Help with Long-Term Care Planning? Expert Answer: As an elder law attorney, one of the questions I often receive from clients planning for retirement or long-term care is about annuities—what they are, how they work, andContinue Reading
Caregiving Agreement By: Lisa Hostetler Brown, Certified Elder Law Attorney*, LawyerLisa Expert Answer: As an elder law attorney, one of the most complex issues I help families address is caregiving — especially when a loved one steps in to provide ongoing support for an aging parent or relative. While it’sContinue Reading