As real estate prices continue to rise, more people are teaming up with others to realize the home ownership dream. An increasing number of people are buying homes with friends, relatives, and roommates, rather than a spouse, which was the norm historically. Purchasing a property Continue reading
Married couples can share almost every aspect of their lives with each other. But even the closest couples may find it difficult to talk about matters related to death and their dying wishes. As uncomfortable as it might be to discuss subjects like burial arrangements and remarriage, Continue reading
We live in a litigious society. Unfortunately, sometimes even family members file lawsuits because they are dissatisfied with what their parents or loved ones leave them in a will or trust. Some are so displeased that they decide to contest or challenge the validity of a will or trust, Continue reading
A loved one’s passing is challenging on many different levels. In addition to the emotional difficulty of processing someone’s death, there are also the many tasks that must be dealt with, such as going through their various accounts and taking the necessary steps to cancel them or Continue reading
Being self-employed is no easy endeavor. You are the owner, and in some cases, the only employee. While you may have more freedom than the average worker, you carry a load of responsibilities. Working together, we can craft a comprehensive estate plan that will help you address important Continue reading
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, you may hear some new and confusing terms. Although many of us estate planning attorneys try to create planning documents that are readable and easy to understand, we are required to use terms and phrases that are unfamiliar outside Continue reading
In today’s increasingly digital world, our lives are intertwined with technology. We rely on smartphones, computers, social media platforms, and online accounts for various aspects of our personal and financial lives. However, many families underestimate the importance of including Continue reading
When creating a trust, it is common to name yourself as the initial trustee who is responsible for all aspects of administering the trust. However, when considering who will act next, when you can no longer act because of illness or death, it is sometimes helpful to divide the responsibilities Continue reading
As our children grow into young adults and prepare for college, their journey towards independence becomes a priority. However, it’s crucial to consider their legal and financial well-being, especially since parents no longer have legal authority over their children once they reach Continue reading
Creating a living trust is an excellent way to protect and manage your assets, prepare for your possible incapacity, and provide for your loved ones. One crucial decision you’ll need to make as you establish your trust is selecting a trustee. While you may consider a family member Continue reading
Joint trusts are commonly used for married couples, especially in states where there is no state estate tax, where the couple is in a stable relationship, and where they do not have many creditor concerns. Compared to separate trusts, they are easier to fund and manage, allow the Continue reading
As we go through life, we often focus on building our wealth, providing for our loved ones, and planning for the future. However, one critical aspect that is often overlooked is planning for incapacity. None of us can predict when an unexpected accident or illness may strike, leaving Continue reading
As a single parent, you devote countless hours and endless love to raising your children. While your focus may be on their present needs, it’s crucial not to overlook planning for their future. It’s essential to take proactive steps to protect their well-being in the event of unforeseen Continue reading
As an estate planning attorney, I often see clients who are primarily concerned with planning for the distribution of their assets after they pass away. While this is certainly an important aspect of estate planning, there is another critical area that many people overlook—planning Continue reading
If you’re a middle-class individual with significant assets, you may be exploring estate planning strategies that can help you protect and pass on your wealth. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of a SLAT, or a spousal lifetime access trust. In this blog Continue reading
There are many legal tools that you might include in your estate plan to protect your hard-earned money and property. One tool that might benefit you is a limited liability company (LLC) that owns some of your accounts and property.
What is a limited liability company?
An LLC is a business Continue reading
While it may not be pleasant to think about and plan for your death, failure to plan can cause unnecessary stress and grief for those you leave behind after you pass away. If you do not create an estate plan and update it regularly, you also expose yourself to stress and loss of peace Continue reading
Whether you are reviewing your existing trust or creating a new trust, you should understand the important role that a trustee plays, not only in handling trust matters but also in providing for and protecting your loved ones.
What is a trust?
A trust is an agreement between the trustmaker Continue reading
A will is a foundational estate planning document. Accompanied by other important documents such as healthcare and financial powers of attorney, it is a basic estate plan suitable for many. However, reports have shown for decades that fewer than 50% of US adults have a will. If you Continue reading
A comprehensive estate plan addresses not only what happens to your property and assets when you pass away, but how to take care of you and your affairs if you become incapacitated. Incapacity planning is not just for those in their older years. An accident or illness can happen at Continue reading
There are many misconceptions about Medicaid. Let’s look at what Medicaid is and is not and consider some common misunderstandings.
1. Medicaid is not the same as Medicare.
Medicaid and Medicare are two separate programs run, at least in part, by the federal government. Even if you Continue reading
Would you like to provide your children or loved ones with an inheritance but protect them from the risks that may accompany their newly acquired assets? If so, you can create a beneficiary-controlled trust in which the person you name as the trust’s primary beneficiary has rights, Continue reading
Reaching retirement is a great milestone that is well worth celebrating. After many years of hard work, you can now focus your energy on the next phase of your life. However, before you begin this next chapter, you need to make sure that you have fully thought through this exciting Continue reading