Estate Planning
How Do You Leave Material Possessions to Your Loved Ones?
Posted on September 14, 2021

The majority of people who plan their estates provide for how their monetary assets and real estate will be distributed. Bank accounts, stocks, houses, and businesses are the first things people think of when they begin the estate planning process. Material possessions, however, are often forgotten about. The importance of including material possessions in your estate plan is not to be underestimated – family conflicts over personal belongings during estate distribution are quite common. You have the opportunity to reduce the risk of conflict among your loved ones by including […]
Why Is a Financial Power of Attorney Important?
Posted on September 7, 2021

In the event that you become incapacitated, it is crucial to have someone you trust designated to make financial decisions for you. This trusted person, called an “agent,” will be able to look out for your financial interests when you can no longer do so, either temporarily or permanently. By creating a financial power of attorney, you can rest assured that the person you choose as your agent will be able to manage your finances and help with things like making sure your bills are paid. How Long Does a […]
What Will Happen to Your Business When You Retire or Pass Away?
Posted on August 24, 2021

As a business owner, it is important to always look ahead to the future. Day-to-day concerns can sometimes get in the way of bigger picture concerns like estate planning and succession planning. However, planning for what happens to your business if you retire or pass away is a crucial responsibility that should not be overlooked. If you procrastinate succession planning and you suffer an unexpected illness or incapacitating injury, what will happen to your business? What if you experience some changes in your family that require you to retire sooner […]
How Can I Leave Assets to Family Member Who May Not Be Ready to Receive Them?
Posted on August 17, 2021

Estate planning allows you to dictate exactly how your assets are distributed to heirs upon your death. If you are like many people, you may have concerns about leaving an inheritance to beneficiaries who are not ready to receive it. Some beneficiaries may be too young to manage the funds or property they receive. Other beneficiaries may have poor money management skills or simply lack the maturity to handle the inheritance appropriately. If you are interested in leaving assets to your loved ones but you have concerns such as these, […]
What MacKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates Can Teach Us About Charitable Giving
Posted on August 10, 2021

Charitable giving allows us to contribute to the causes we believe in and, ultimately, make the world a better place. Philanthropy also gives us an avenue through which we can leave an enduring legacy. If you have the means to donate to charitable causes, you may be interested in including charitable giving in your estate plans. Two women who have recently been making headlines with their philanthropic pursuits are Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Scott. These women married two of the wealthiest men in the world. Now, they are using part […]
Tips for Choosing a Guardian for Minor Children in Your Estate Plans
Posted on August 3, 2021

There is a misconception that estate planning is not a concern for people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Many falsely assume that younger people do not need to worry about establishing a will, trust, advanced directive, or other estate planning documents until they reach retirement age. The reality is that it is never too soon to start building your estate plan. This is especially true of parents. If you are a parent with minor children, estate planning allows you to choose a guardian for your children if you die or are […]
Why Do Some Estate Plans Need a Professional Executor?
Posted on July 20, 2021

In the realm of estate planning and administration, an executor is responsible for managing the deceased person’s estate, distributing assets to beneficiaries, paying taxes and other financial obligations, and more. Often, the executor of an estate plan is a family member or close friend of the deceased person. However, there is no rule that this must always be the case. In many situations, a professional executor such as an estate planning attorney, trust company, or bank is better suited for the executor role. Some Individuals Choose a Professional Executor for […]
What Does a Comprehensive Estate Plan Protect?
Posted on July 13, 2021

Most people have a vague idea of why it is important to have a last will and testament. However, few recognize just how wide-reaching a comprehensive estate plan can be. A comprehensive estate plan contains much more than a will. By utilizing a combination of different estate planning instruments, you can address not only inheritance concerns but also how medical and financial decisions should be made if you are incapacitated, who should care for minor children if you die, and other critical matters. Most importantly, an estate plan protects your […]
Smart Estate Planning Moves for Complex Estates
Posted on July 6, 2021

A comprehensive estate plan allows you to provide for your family, reduce taxes, avoid family conflicts about inheritance, and leave a lasting legacy. There are nearly countless different legal tools to help you achieve your estate planning goals based on your unique situation. The types of estate planning tools you use will depend mainly on the type of property you own and the complexity of your estate. Individuals with complex estates will need to work with an experienced estate planning lawyer to build a robust estate plan that adequately addresses […]
Practice Areas
Archive
+2016
+2013
Please note: These blogs have been created over a period of time and laws and information can change. For the most current information on a topic you are interested in please seek proper legal counsel.