Over the years, we’ve discovered that many people make a BIG mistake, catapulting their assets and loved ones right into the court system. Most of our clients want to avoid probate because it has a reputation for being time consuming, stressful, and public, meaning anyone anywhere can see who got what and how to contact them. Beneficiaries may become victims Continue Reading →
A child’s wedding day is one of the happiest occasions in life for most parents, especially when they approve wholeheartedly of that child’s choice of mate. Sometimes, however, the choice is not always welcomed and parents become concerned about how to protect assets they plan to leave their children in case of a divorce. Or other times, there simply is Continue Reading →
A last will is one of the most well-known estate planning documents, and yes, everyone should have one. But if a last will is the only document in your parents’ estate plan, you’ll be in for a (not so great) surprise when they pass. If your parents leave a living trust instead, count yourself lucky—everything will be much easier for you. Here Continue Reading →
You’re a parent of minor children—do you know what would happen to your children if something happened to you? Maybe one of your siblings would step in or perhaps an aging parent. Maybe you were rushing to get out of town last year and sent a quick email to a friend or family member saying who you’d want as guardian Continue Reading →
Estate planning is not a once-in-a-lifetime check-the-box thing. What is for sure is that your life is going to change and the law is going to change. A variety of things can come up that will make your estate plan outdated, and any time this happens, the best course of action is calling your estate planning attorney to chat about Continue Reading →
The summer season is here! And that means travel and vacations are high on everyone’s list. One thing that might not make it to a typical traveler’s to-do list is estate planning—but it couldn’t be more important as you prepare to enjoy the sandy beach or Rocky Mountains. Americans spend more time planning their vacation each year than planning their Continue Reading →
Want to read a news story that will make you smile? Check out the Wall Street Journal’s recent story about a woman’s trust that provides funds for her house plant. Ronna Scoratow has no companion that has been by her side longer than her 42-year-old philodendron. It may very well be that her plant outlives her. What would happen to 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 →
Do you have a will? Even though people are living longer every day, you may be tempted to put it off a few more years—but think again. Be edgy and get a will; you’ll be in the minority. A will is the most popular of estate planning documents and what most people think is all they need when it comes Continue Reading →