Family and Parenting
A Christmas Story — Mine
December 22, 2020
I'm thankful that my kids got most of what they wanted for Christmas from my ex and me growing up. The same went for my second husband's kids. And it wasn't because we went on a shopping spree to fill their wishlist to Santa. What we gave them didn't cost a dime. And that was the gift of choice.
It’s Your First ‘Single’ Thanksgiving. Here’s How To Make It a Happy One for the Entire Family
November 24, 2020
When you're married, orchestrating and celebrating a major holiday like Thanksgiving can be challenging, and when you're first divorced, even more so. However, there's no reason why Thanksgiving needs to be sad following a divorce — for you or those around you. If you're up for it, you can take steps to make the experience more comfortable, perhaps even better than it was before. I know because I, too, was divorced and once in your shoes. Here are a few ideas.
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.
Should You Keep the Marital Home in Your Divorce?
November 17, 2020
When it comes to the family home, you have numerous choices to weigh before deciding, each of which could affect you and your family for years to come. It will behoove you to remember the difference between a house and a home during this emotional transition. Your house is a place where you live. A home is any place with you living in it.
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.
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...
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...
Safety Planning for Pets in a Domestic Violence Situation
August 18, 2020
If you are unsure about what will happen to your animals while you leave an abusive situation, ask an attorney about safety planning for pets in a domestic violence situation.
Protecting Your Family Home
July 26, 2020
For most families, a home is among their most valuable assets, both financially and emotionally. It is important to be thoughtful about how you are going to leave a home and to whom. If there are issues between siblings, tax considerations, or other family needs to consider, the parent should make an informed decision about what to do with the house and ensure that their estate plan reflects these wishes. It is particularly important to come up with a specific plan for your home.
Book List About Race and Racism: Black Lives Matter & They Always Have
June 7, 2020
We've curated a list of anti-racism books for children and adults. Learning and conversation is the first step to breaking the racism chain that burdens the black community.