We live in a do-it-yourself world–always on the go, never enough time. But while some things are perfectly suited for the DIY approach, others simply aren’t. Take the story of Ann Aldrich, an aunt to two nieces (their father, one of Ann’s brothers, had passed away years before) and a sister to three siblings, only one of whom (another brother) was Continue Reading →
A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that boomers and seniors are becoming more interested in passing along family heirlooms and history, leaving a legacy for future generations that extends beyond money. As the Wall Street Journal reported, it may be tempting to think “the economic downturn, steep health-care costs and longer lives may mean less money is being left Continue Reading →
The Olympic medals don’t come free. Every medal winner in Sochi, from Sage Kotsenburg who won gold in snowboard slopestyle to Julia Mancuso who won bronze in skiing super combined, will owe the U.S. government as much as $10,000 in taxes just for bringing home a medal. The U.S. is one of only a handful of developed countries who tax Continue Reading →
It was announced today that Nelson Mandela’s estate is valued at $4.1 million, excluding royalties and potentially other sources, to be split among his family, members of his staff, schools he attended, and the African National Congress, the movement with which he was intimately involved for decades and which now rules post-apartheid South Africa. How do we know that Mandela’s Continue Reading →
Congratulations! You’ve finally made the decision to come in and meet with our firm to learn more about guardianship and estate planning. We know it wasn’t easy getting to this point. You are doing the right thing in learning about why an estate plan for your family is truly essential. (And how having one gives you an even deeper peace Continue Reading →
When it comes to executing a will, many people worry unnecessarily that their will might be contested. In fact, wills are seldom contested and even when they are, challenges rarely succeed. And before most challenges are filed, the beneficiary has to think long and hard about whether bringing a challenge is worth it—because if a will is properly drafted it Continue Reading →