Estate Planning
Will Your Dying Wishes be Honored? Cremation in Washington State
November 26, 2020
A cremation authorization form is one of the most important documents you will need to complete if you prefer to have your remains cremated once you pass away. The authorization form is a legal document that the person desirous of cremation must sign before death or direct their next of kin to sign after death.
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.
As COVID-19 Spreads, a Health Care Power of Attorney Is Essential
November 12, 2020
If you don't have a full estate plan in place, including a health care power of attorney (POA), now is the time to get one squared away. The coronavirus pandemic is changing priorities for many people, and estate planning should be at the top of the list. Too many people don't realize how an estate plan's key elements can help if you become sick or die from the virus.
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.