Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is a good thing. Many people do not understand the nuances between a will and trust – and dying without either – but should not deter you from starting. Here is what will generally happen if you die, intestate (without a will or trust), with […]
The notion of fairness often pervades family dynamics and may continue even beyond death when decisions about dividing accounts and property arise. The law has attempted to address different notions of fairness with a variety of distribution strategies. Per stirpes, by representation, and per capita are key terms in estate planning that specify how money and […]
When planning for death, most people assume they will die before their beneficiaries (e.g., their spouse, children, and grandchildren). While these assumptions are often well-founded, they do not always come to pass. Sometimes a beneficiary of an estate or trust dies before the person leaving the inheritance. If this has happened to you, you may be […]
In the hectic and sometimes dangerous world that we live in, it is an unfortunate fact of life that accidents happen and people get injured. The U.S. legal system is designed so that those who suffer injury through the avoidable fault of others can seek compensation for those injuries. Sometimes those injuries are so severe that […]
Are you confused about the differences between wills and trusts? If so, you are not alone. While it is always wise to contact experts like us regarding your estate planning, it is important to understand the basics. Here is a simple reference guide which highlights the major differences between the two most common types of estate plans: […]
We collect stuff throughout our lives. This “stuff” is known as our personal property. Some items are valuable, like jewelry, baseball cards, and works of art. Other items are sentimental, like grandma’s tea set, old Christmas ornaments, and photographs. Regardless of the value of your property, it is important that these items be distributed the way […]
We are currently in the midst of a pandemic and there is no end in sight. During these uncertain times, you need to ensure that your planning is up-to-date, especially those related to healthcare decisions. The two documents in your estate plan that relate to medical care are: the Medical Power of Attorney and the Advance […]
The unpredictable can occur at any time: fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, pandemics—you name it. Because September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, we want you to be prepared for whatever life throws at you. Although none of us can predict the future, there are some things you can do to ensure that you and your family are […]
