Avoid these top trust errors
Do you have a beneficiary with special needs who are ill-equipped to manage the inheritance? What about when it comes to bequeathing complex assets that require ongoing attention after you're gone? This is where a trust can help. When you use a trust, you bypass...
What is the role of a Conservator?
A conservator is appointed by the probate court at the request of a mentally competent adult who is unable to manage certain aspects of their life. The conservator accepts the job voluntarily and is granted limited decision-making power to carry out specific tasks on...
15 Estate Planning Terms That You Need To Know
Estate planning can be intimidating, confusing and sometimes overwhelming, but it’s also an extremely important tool. With the right estate planning lawyer by your side, we can ease some of the burdens. Contrary to the belief that it’s primarily for those planning to...
Setting the record straight: Myths of the Living Trust
If you’ve ever thought about making a living trust, you may have some questions. But first, let's define the benefits of a living trust. A living trust allows you to keep control over the trust property until death which is then turned over to your chosen successor...
I just remarried. Should my spouse and I use the same estate attorney?
Statistically, divorce rates in America are dropping from their peak in the 1980’s. In fact, nearly 70% of the couples married in the 1990's are still together. There is no shortage of research dissecting the fluctuations and causes, it makes sense that younger people...
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Guardian for Your Children
Is your Last Will and Testament written? How about your wishes for your children? It may not be something you think about often, but it definitely should be. An estate plan is one thing, but the well-being of your children should be your top priority. If you have...
Probate can be a nightmare, here’s how to avoid it.
What is Probate? Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. If you have a will, probate will involve proving that your will is legally valid and authentic, as well as executing your instructions and paying any applicable taxes. After an...
If you die, what happens to your pet?
No one likes to think about death. Especially their own. But the fact is, I have this sweet friend that depends on me for care. So, with that in mind, I put together an estate plan to ensure they don’t end up in a shelter if I die unexpectedly. You’ve probably looked...
What if your family had to decide if you live or die?
Do you remember the Terri Schiavo story? This was a right-to-die legal case that stretched on from 1990 to 2005 involving Theresa Marie Schiavo, a 34 year old woman in an irreversible persistent vegetative state Her husband and legal guardian argued that she would not...
Can I text my last will and testament?
We do so many things on our smartphones: we shop, we bank, post pictures, order food, we text to stay connected with friends and family. Now, in some states, you can add "create a will" to that list. Let’s say you find yourself in a life-and-death situation. You grab...
Transferring Wealth to the Next Generation
Are you thinking about passing assets on to your next generation? Whether your parents are aging and your own children are reaching adulthood, or you simply realize that you need to focus on wealth-transfer plans, we can help you plan and execute a strategy to shift...
Being Named Executor – When Your Family is Judge and Jury
The death of a parent can often bring about rivalries between siblings. Some grudges and perceived wrongdoings from the past can feel as fresh as they did 15 years ago. For example; In one case, 2 of 3 sisters were named co-executors of their mother’s estate that was...