2020 is fast approaching. As we all prepare for the holidays and a new year, it is important that we wrap up any loose strings. Before entering into the new year, here are some things that need to be on your end of year checklist. READ MORE
Estate Planning Awareness Week: The Importance to You and Your Family of Having an Estate Plan
In 2008, Congress recognized the need for the public to understand the importance and benefits of estate planning by passing House Resolution 1499, which designated the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. READ MORE
Myths We Tell Ourselves About Estate Planning
Estate planning can be a very difficult process to start without the right guidance. Making the decision to move forward with the planning requires us to face our mortality and this thought can stop many people right in their tracks. Others talk themselves out of seeing a qualified attorney to put together an estate plan based on some of the following common myths: READ MORE
Pet Trusts Offer Protection for Your Furry Family Member
The best way to ensure your animal companions are properly taken care of in the event of your death or incapacity is to create a pet trust. READ MORE
Why A Will Is Not A Suitable Option For Protecting Your Pet
In order to be completely confident that your pet is properly taken care of and the money you leave for its care is used exactly as intended, ask me to to help you create a pet trust. READ MORE
The Real Cost To Your Family: Not Updating Your Estate Plan
This is the final article in a series discussing the real costs to your family for failed estate planning. This article continues the discussion of the most common and costly planning mistakes encountered. Here, I discuss how not updating your estate plan will likely result in a failed estate plan. READ MORE
The Real Cost To Your Family: Relying On A Will Alone
This is the third post on the discussion of the true costs and consequences of failed estate planning. The series highlights a few of the most common—and costly—planning mistakes we encounter with clients. This article discusses why having a will alone may result in your family suffering by having to go to court when you are gone. READ MORE
The Real Cost To Your Family: Having No Estate Plan At All
This is a continuation of the discussion of the true costs and consequences of failed estate planning. Here I discuss a few of the most common—and costly—planning mistakes I encounter with clients. If this article exposes any potential gaps or weak spots in your plan, meet with me to learn how to properly address them. READ MORE
The Real Cost To Your Family: Not Planning For Incapacity
Planning that’s focused solely on who gets what when you die is ignoring the fact that death isn’t the only thing you must prepare for. You must also consider that at some point before your eventual death, you could be incapacitated by accident or illness. READ MORE
5 Estate Planning Must-Dos if You’re Getting Divorced—Part 2
Because getting divorced can be overwhelming on so many different levels, updating your estate plan often takes a back seat to other seemingly more-pressing priorities. But failing to update your plan for divorce can have potentially tragic consequences, some of which you may have never even considered before. READ MORE
5 Estate Planning Must-Dos if You’re Getting Divorced—Part 1
While getting divorced is a traumatic process involving many tough decisions and legal hassles, it is absolutely critical to review and update your estate plan. READ MORE
The Trust Protection Myth: Your Revocable Trust Protects Against Lawsuits
Many people believe that once they set up a Revocable Living Trust and transfer assets into the trust, those assets are protected from lawsuits. This is absolutely not true. READ MORE
Is Your Estate Plan Unfinished? Don’t Wait to Complete This Important Process
For most people, thinking about one’s own mortality is unpleasant and low on the list of priorities. While you may objectively recognize the need to plan for your future – and the future of your loved ones after you’re gone – it can be hard to summon the motivation to actually create a will or trust. If you’ve made an effort to begin the process but haven’t finalized the details, consider this article the sign you need to finish up. READ MORE
My Trust is Signed, No Probate for My Family, Right?
Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s important to be aware, however, that simply meeting with an attorney and signing a Trust does not mean your estate planning process is complete. Without properly funding your Trust, your assets could still be forced through the probate process. READ MORE
Loan, Gift, or Advancement: Why the Classification Matters
While we all want to provide financial help to our loved ones—whether they are family or close friends—it is important to understand that how the money is classified will directly affect your estate planning. Accordingly, the intent behind the transfer of the money is key when determining if it will be considered a loan, gift, or advancement. READ MORE