What constitutes a “large” gift can be relative. That being said, if you are considering giving cash or property to someone, a little bit of planning can really help avoid negative consequences. This is particularly true if the gifted amounts are over $15,000.00, will be gifted in property, will be gifted on a regular basis, or […]
There is no question that having children changes everything — and your estate planning is no exception. If you and your spouse pass away or become legally incapacitated, and arrangements were never made in the event of such an emergency, your minor child or children will have to be placed with a new family. Not surprisingly, […]
Anytime you need to go to the hospital, whether it’s for a broken bone, birth of a new baby, or surgery, there are a few documents they will request from you. Sometimes these forms can be completed by you at the hospital. However, what happens if you need medical assistance and you are incapacitated or unconscious? […]
If you are preparing to send your son or daughter off to college to pursue higher education, you may be wondering how their first semester of school will go. During this exciting new chapter in your family’s life, the last thing you may be thinking about is estate planning for your college-aged child. While your child […]
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Whether this is your first home, an upgrade, or you’re downsizing, purchasing a new home is a big event in your life. When these major life changes occur, it is important that you are properly prepared. Below are a few things for you to consider now that you […]
Michael Bond, who passed away back in June of 2017, was an author and the creator of the adventurous, sweet and captivating character, Paddington Bear. Bond created the marmalade-loving bear from the “darkest Peru” in the late 1950’s out of his memories of refugee children in the Second World War. He wondered what would happen if an […]
All too often we hear of some new con method scammers have come up with. The most recent tactic in the Austin area has been home improvement scams. Mr. Jason Lugo of Mr.512 Handyman & Hauling, a locally owned construction and hauling company, has had firsthand experience with this scam in the Austin area.
The plot of the scam usually develops as follows: A “contractor” will come to your door and claim they were already in your neighborhood, maybe doing work for a neighbor. They often target senior citizens. They will tell you that they have noticed damage to the outside of your home or that you are in need of some general upkeep of your home (i.e. replace your gutters or siding). The “contractor” will usually then have you sign a contract and make a down payment for the job you agree to, and leave, with you never seeing or hearing from them again.
Last week, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on a case involving life insurance beneficiary designations after divorce. Mark Sveen had named his wife as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. They got divorced, but Mr. Sveen did not update the beneficiary. Court ruled that divorce invalidated the beneficiary designation in favor of […]
