Redskins Owner’s Estate Goes Into Overtime – Lessons from Jack Kent Cooke’s Estate  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Jack Kent Cooke is widely regarded as the greatest owner in the history of professional sports. He was also well known for his attention to detail and uncanny business acumen.. When it came time to create his own estate plan, however, he left much to be desired. Although you may never own a professional sports team or … [Read more...] about Redskins Owner’s Estate Goes Into Overtime – Lessons from Jack Kent Cooke’s Estate

Owning Overseas Property Increases the Need for Estate Planning  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Despite living in one of the largest countries in the world, Americans often yearn for the opportunity to own property outside of their homeland. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, American investment abroad reached almost $5 trillion in 2015. If you own property abroad extra care must be taken … [Read more...] about Owning Overseas Property Increases the Need for Estate Planning

Preparing for Your First Estate Planning Consultation  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys You’ve made the decision to focus on your estate plan. It’s an important time and you’re not quite sure what to expect before meeting with an estate planning attorney. Odds are, it’s not nearly as overwhelming as you’re anticipating. There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re well-prepared for your first estate planning consultation. … [Read more...] about Preparing for Your First Estate Planning Consultation

Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) Right for You? Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) Right for You?  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys The American health care system has gone through some significant changes in recent years. One thing that did not change, however, is the potential to save both money and taxes by opening a Health Savings Account, or HSA. For those who qualify, an HSA allows you to save money tax-free that can be used for … [Read more...] about Is a Health Savings Account (HSA) Right for You?

Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Avoiding Conflict in Inheritances  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Let’s face it, even in the closest-knit families, money and assets can still create problems. For example, resentment can show up when one sibling has seen greater financial and career success than his siblings and trying to “balance” that in your estate plan can cause further friction in the future. So what do you do when you’re … [Read more...] about Fair Does Not Always Mean Equal: Avoiding Conflict in Inheritances

Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys In the past, many same-sex couples never focused on estate planning or even financial planning because they felt it was moot. The ways around those impossible and unfair laws were successful for some couples, in some states, and in some instances. This meant many died intestate, or, without a will. There was a … [Read more...] about Claiming More Than Marriage: Important Financial and Estate Planning for Same-Sex Marriages

My Attorney Just Retired – What Now?  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Over your lifetime, you’ve established lasting relationships with professionals like dentists, doctors, and attorneys. It’s hard to think that these professionals who have always been available to help us may someday leave their firm or practice. They may retire, move to a new state or pass away. So if your estate planning attorney is no longer available, it opens … [Read more...] about My Attorney Just Retired – What Now?

I was Appointed Trustee of a Trust. Now What Do I Do?  Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys During the creation of a Trust, a number of decisions must be made. One of the most important of those decisions is who the Trustor (the person who establishes creator of the Trust) will appoint as the Trustee. Ideally, the Trustor will discuss the appointment with the prospective Trustee at the time the Trust is created; however, that does not … [Read more...] about I was Appointed Trustee of a Trust. Now What Do I Do?

Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys As the average life expectancy in America continues to increase, we can all anticipate living much longer than even our grandparents did. Living longer, however, also increases the odds that long-term care (LTC) will be needed at some point in your life. The cost of that care could threaten your retirement nest egg, as well as the family assets you hoped to pass down to future generations. Medicaid can … [Read more...] about Protecting Your Assets from Medicaid Spend-Down Using a Special Trust

Compliments of Our Law Firm, Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys In the 21st century, most of the issues surrounding equality of the sexes have been resolved. Women are no longer relegated solely to the role of housewife and mother and the younger generations generally accept the idea of gender equality without giving it much thought. Equality, however, does not preclude differences. One area where it is important for women to recognize those differences is in the … [Read more...] about Women and Estate Planning – Debunking the Myths