Despite your best efforts, it’s still possible for disputes to pop up with guardianships, whether from family conflict, neglect concerns or simply differing opinions about the care of an individual. Litigation is often a default approach, but mediation can be a much more helpful solution. The following are 5 ways a mediator can help resolve guardianship disputes. 1. Identifying Continue Reading →
The new year is an optimal time to check in on some of the basics of your estate plan, such as making sure your beneficiaries and documents match up with your current wishes and situation. A lot can change in a year, and it’s easy to forget about estate documentation and account beneficiaries that have been filed away. A regular Continue Reading →
A lot of people think an estate plan simply refers to a will or trust that provides explicit instructions for handling your estate after your death. Wills and trusts are definitely part of an estate plan, but there are many more components. So, what is an estate plan really? An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents Continue Reading →
While you can’t directly leave assets in your estate plan to your pets, you should consider their future care and wellbeing should they outlive you. You may have a verbal agreement with a family member or friend who loves your pet, but there are other considerations, such as the cost of veterinary care, food, grooming, etc. that should be Continue Reading →
It’s hard to think about wills and trusts and your eventual death, but it’s even harder on your family and loved ones when there’s no plan in place for what happens after you die. And while no one really wants to talk about estate planning, you’ll find that you actually feel much better after you do. How a Will Continue Reading →
Disinheriting a family member or other potential beneficiary is usually considered an intentional occurrence. But it quite frequently happens purely by accident (known as “accidental disinheritance”) – either through procrastination or simply a lack of understanding of how estate and probate law work. Many people assume that a will on its own will dictate how assets are distributed. Continue Reading →
If you’re in an LGBTQ+ partnership (married, civil union, common-law marriage, or long-term relationship) you NEED a will…like yesterday. Don’t get us wrong, as an estate planning firm, we think having a plan for your future is imperative for anyone in any relationship. However, there are a few very specific things you need to consider adding to your will if Continue Reading →
And why you need both in your estate plan You’ve worked hard for your family most of your life. Naming beneficiaries can keep all your hard work you’ve provided to benefit your family where it belongs, ensuring generational wealth. When it comes to naming beneficiaries, you’ll need a primary beneficiary and a contingent beneficiary. But do you need both? Once Continue Reading →
Two reasons why it’s a good idea to have a will, even if you’re not married. You’re in love. It doesn’t matter if you have a piece of paper to prove it, right? Yes, however, that sentiment wouldn’t hold up in court, especially when your other half is up against family members in the event of your death. Continue Reading →
All you need to know about Power of Attorney in Estate Planning Power of Attorney: Legal Words You Need to Know Principal: If it’s your estate plan, you’re the principal when it comes to the Power of Attorney document. Agent or Attorney-in-Fact: the person you are naming as your Power of Attorney Incapacitated: When a person Continue Reading →