A good estate planning attorney will assist you in creating a plan that minimizes or avoid probate. Probate proceedings are part of the public record and can be very time-consuming and expensive. However, in nearly every case, some probate is…
In most families, sibling rivalry is inevitable. Depending on your family members and the dynamic between them, old rivalries from the past can become more significant when a parent passes. Adult children who are emotionally upset and in the unfamiliar territory…
Everyone who wants to protect themselves and their families needs an estate plan. Making sound decisions regarding finances and healthcare can become challenging as you age due to diminished mental capacity or declining health. Putting these five must-have legal documents in…
Going through the process of divorce is an emotionally difficult time in a person’s life, particularly if there are children involved. Despite the personal upheaval, there is much to organize to protect your financial interests and future life. Fidelity Investments, an…
The loss of a close relative is one of life's most difficult experiences. In addition to the emotional aspect of loss, there is the stress of handling the deceased person’s estate and affairs. This part can be especially overwhelming. The process…
It might seem confusing to think about estate planning vs. elder law as you begin to plan your future, both financially and in terms of health care. Estate planning and elder law also have some similarities. Even though these two types…
In a will, you specify who will inherit your assets and property after your death, and a properly executed will is legally binding. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution,…
As federal estate tax laws, gifts, and GST exemptions fluctuate, it may be necessary to update your estate plan annually. Since 2018, federal tax assessment on estates above $11.7 million, indexed for inflation every year, will default back to pre-2018 exemption…
Your loved one's well-being is dependent upon your advocacy in a nursing home. Residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are disproportionately affected by the flu, pneumonia, COVID 19, and other contagious diseases. According to the American Family…
Child support payments typically provide a smoother adjustment to changes in family structure, continuity, and financial stability, lowering the entire family’s stress levels. These payments, designed to benefit a child of divorce, tend to positively impact their overall well-being, school…