Income, estate, and other federal tax levies have commonly been a bone of contention between those with different political ideologies; but the current conflict has reached unusual heights, with various million- and billionaires publicly expressing their views (pro or against) about current tax laws. Of course, million- or billionaires aren’t the only ones with strong… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 32
Off to College? Don’t Forget Your Health Directive!
The hot and lazy days of summer are almost over; parents are thinking about back-to-school sales, kids are making the most of their final days of freedom, and college freshmen are getting ready to embark on their first year of adult-hood. Most of these college students have a list (whether mental or physical) of all… Read More »
Unusual Things Happen Every Day…
In a recent article in the Huffington Post financial columnist Don McNay tells the frustrating, sad, and “unusual” story of how the greater part of his mother’s and his sister’s estates ended up in the hands of people they would never have chosen to receive it… all because neither of them had a will or… Read More »
Don’t Disinherit Your Loved Ones By Mistake—Review Your Estate Plan Regularly
All of our readers know just how important—how essential—a will or trust is to protecting your family after you pass away. Leaving clear and tangible instructions can prevent family infighting as well as hurt or unsettled feelings; and leaving a legally airtight will can prevent wasted time and money in unnecessarily long probate proceedings. But for… Read More »
The Estate Planning Post Every Woman Should Read
Although couples usually come into our office together to discuss their estate plans, quite often it’s the women who lead the discussion about planning for the guardianship of children, and the men who lead the discussion about financial planning. Estate planning is a subject which has a significant impact on women—in fact, this article in… Read More »
After A Tempestuous Life Amy Winehouse Leaves Clear and Certain Will
Following the death of British singer Amy Winehouse there have been a number of news stories and blog posts about her turbulent career and the last few years of her life. In the midst of all this scrutiny, perhaps the most surprising discovery is the fact that Winehouse’s affairs were in incredibly good order, with… Read More »
War Veterans May Be Unaware They Qualify For VA Aid and Attendance Benefits
One of the services Elder Law and Estate Planning attorneys often provide is helping clients navigate the application procedures and bureaucratic systems for the various state and federal medical insurance programs; and one thing that remains a surprise throughout the years is how many people forget about the VA Aid and Attendance Program for war… Read More »
Estate Planning for Beginners Part 6: Funding Your Trust
The hard part is done. Your estate plan has been created, all the documents signed and witnessed and notarized. But wait, you’re not quite done yet—especially if your estate plan includes a trust. The task of funding that trust still remains. Without the completion of this crucial step all of your hard work could be… Read More »
Estate Planning for Beginners Part 5: Guardians of Minor Children
Quite often, an individual or couple’s decision to finally create an estate plan is motivated by a strong need to ensure that their minor children will be protected and provided for. This kind of planning for young children often begins with choosing the person or couple who will care for and raise the children if… Read More »
Estate Planning for Beginners Part 4: Healthcare Documents
Thus far our “Estate Planning Basics” series has focused primarily on financial documents, but the documents pertaining to your health care are an equally important part of any estate plan. The most important healthcare document in your estate plan will be your healthcare directive. Depending on where you live, this document naming a healthcare agent… Read More »