Estate Planning
Getting Remarried? Avoid These Estate-Planning Mistakes
November 20, 2020
With a rise in "gray divorces," it's only natural that remarriage has become more prevalent among seniors. However, they also tend to be lax about updating their estate planning. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
November Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Have You Completed Your Estate Planning Should You Become Mentally Incapacitated?
November 6, 2020
Every 70 seconds, another American family is affected by Alzheimer's. Too often, I witness Alzheimer's and dementia care and estate squabbles that tear families apart. When there has not been the foresight and cooperative transparency regarding how the family wants the patient's estate plan executed, chaos and legal entanglements can ensue, irreparably damaging family bonds.
Famous People Who Died Without a Will
October 22, 2020
What do Picasso, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and "Sonny" Bono all have in common? You're probably thinking, not much. But they do, in fact, have one big thing in common. They all died intestate—which means they died without having a will.
Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
October 20, 2020
Estate planning — it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber-wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing guardians for minor childr...
Don’t Name Your Child As The Beneficiary
October 15, 2020
When you have children, you'll go to the ends of the earth to protect them and make sure they are safe and happy. It's a major reason why parents buy life insurance — or the main one at least. Having life insurance means that if something happened to you, your children would be OK financially. B...
Supreme Court Favors Ex-Wife Over Widow In Battle For Life Insurance Proceeds
October 8, 2020
In the event of a divorce, it is important to remember about changing the beneficiaries nominated on any life insurance policies and pensions (both employer and personal). Failing to do so could mean that, in the event of death, your assets would not be distributed in accordance with your wishes....
Should I Divide My Estate Equally Among My Children? Why Equal Is Not Necessarily Fair
September 22, 2020
Equality is a noble concept and one that many people turn to when deciding how to divide up their estate. There are many circumstances in which equal distribution of assets among beneficiaries is the right choice, but there are some cases where identical inheritances do not make the most sense. I...
Do I Need an Advance Health Care Directive?
September 6, 2020
Have you been wondering... What is the difference between a living will and a health care directive? Let us explain! An advance directive is a set of instructions someone prepares in advance of ill health that determines his healthcare wishes. A living will is one type of advance directive that becomes effective when a person is terminally ill and incapacitated.
What to Do When Someone Passes Away
August 19, 2020
Having a family member pass away is something that is so emotionally draining, but thinking about the next steps are right at the top of mind. So, if you are wondering what that next step is, we are recommending probate.
Why DIY Wills Are Often Insufficient
August 7, 2020
A do-it-yourself (DIY) or even an online Will may seem like a really good deal on the surface - for a little bit of money you purchase a Will template or you can go online and have it prepared without an attorney. But, a Will can be a complicated matter – estate attorneys go to school for years a...