In today’s world, divorce rates are high, and the idea of remarrying may seem far-fetched to some. However, statistics tell a different story. According to the Stepfamily Association of America, about 40% of all marriages involve at least one partner who has been married before, and many of those remarriages include children from prior relationships. … Read more
Despite knowing that they should have an estate plan, many individuals give excuses for failing to create an Estate Plan. They may rely upon advice from seemingly well-intentioned individuals that if they do not have a taxable estate, they don’t need a plan, or that each state has its own set of rules regarding distribution that gives assets to beneficiaries upon death. Some folks go so far as to suggest methods to avoid probate without truly considering the impact of those suggestions. This article explores the most commonly cited reasons for failing to create an Estate Plan and addresses the invalidity of these excuses.
Medicaid planning probably isn’t something you have thought very much about. In fact, you may not even know what a Medicaid plan is. In reality, though, this is actually a very important part of your efforts to build a secure legacy for your loved ones. If you do not have a Medicaid plan, you are … Read more
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys held its semi-annual conference providing education on selected topics designed to inspire excellence in its Members.
Most people have many financial goals during their lifetime, but what about after they are gone? The reality is that preparing for the future does not just mean thinking about what will happen while you are still here on earth. You may have loved ones depending on you, who you want to provide for even … Read more
As the spooky season transitions into the season of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember our why. Most of us do what we do for our families and loved ones. As the holiday season approaches, do something that will have a lasting impact on your family. Create a comprehensive Estate Plan. Make sure that you take the time to consult a qualified Estate Planning attorney who can provide advice regarding all the elements necessary to complete your plan.
It might seem surprising, but estate planning and boots actually share more similarities than you might think. Let’s take a look at how these seemingly unrelated things align: Protection from the Unexpected Just like a solid pair of hiking boots shields your feet from sharp rocks, muddy trails, or sudden downpours, a well-constructed estate plan … Read more
Do you think estate planning is only for the rich? Think again. Most Americans are not billionaires or even close, but that doesn’t mean estate planning isn’t important. Even if you’re not worth millions, your goals likely resemble those of the wealthiest individuals. Estate planning helps you achieve those goals, no matter the size of … Read more
We’ve all got that friend or relative who thinks they know it all. You know the type—they recommended Enron as a hot stock pick. Now they’re convinced that holding everything in joint tenancy is all the estate planning you’ll ever need. Joint tenancy is a way to own property, like real estate or brokerage accounts, … Read more
While contemplating one’s own mortality can be unsettling, most people recognize the importance of establishing an estate plan. One common barrier to initiating this process is a fear of legal jargon, which can make meeting with an attorney seem daunting. Fortunately, a good attorney will explain your options in plain language. You can also reduce … Read more