It's that time of year when high school graduates are packing for college and getting ready to start an exciting new chapter in their lives. Many parents will also experience a new state of life - that of the Empty Nester. There are many changes when your kids move out: Your grocery bills go down, your house is cleaner and quieter and you have more time to spend with your spouse and friends. Another big change might Read More
Four Mistakes Many Executors Make
When it comes to handling the probate of a loved one it is easy to fall prey to these mistakes. These mistakes are made by surviving spouses, surviving children, surviving partners and other heirs but are easily avoided with a little planning and preparation. 1. Working with the wrong lawyer or law firm. This mistake can be hard to avoid. You may have called the person who prepared the will or was recommended by a Read More
What to do After an Estate Plan is Complete
You have taken the important step. You have visited with your attorney and completed your estate plan with their help. Now what? Do you just put the documents in a file and never give them another thought? On the contrary, there are several steps you should take. You should speak with every person named in the documents. Make sure they understand what you are asking them to do and ensure they know where to find Read More
Estate Planning for Business Owners
Business owners like all individuals should start with the basics. There are four documents that form the cornerstone of all estate planning. They are a will, durable power of attorney, medical power of attorney and directive to physician (living will). Non-traditional families and same sex couples should consider some additional documents to provide similar coverage available to married couples under the Read More
Planning for Non-Traditional Families
While the need for proper estate planning is the same for both traditional and non-traditional families, some of the planning techniques used are different. Same sex couples are not treated the same as traditional married couples for many purposes and while these differences in treatment present challenges, they are not insurmountable with proper planning. Same sex couples, just like opposite sex couples, must have Read More
