When should I update my estate plan?
The question, “When should I update my estate plan?” is often asked when creating an estate plan. The answer usually depends on what is going on in your life, but it can also depend on updates in the law and…
Avoiding Family Feuds: How Gifting Can Impact Your Estate Plan
If you are thinking about giving a gift of significant value to a loved one during your lifetime, then you should take a minute to consider how it will impact your estate plan before you do. Otherwise, you may be…
Nursing Home Care: Is it Too Late to Protect Assets?
Most people are under the unfortunate misconception that if someone needs nursing home care and has assets that it is too late to save anything. This is generally WRONG! As many are aware, Medicaid has a five year look back…
What is a Comprehensive Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan should at least include the following documents: durable power of attorney, health care directives and a Last Will and Testament (a Will). Health Care Directives Health Care Directives, often referred to as a Health Care Proxy and…
Trusts and Problems to Avoid (Part 2)
So , You get it! You set up a Trust and understand the benefits of the Trusts. Now what? Let's talk about 9 Problems To Avoid with Your Trust. This is second part of my blog Trust and Problems. It…
9 Problems To Avoid with Your Trust (Part 1)
It has been several years since you signed and funded your Living Trust to avoid probate. All seems ok but is it really? #1 Have you funded your trust properly? If you do not re-title or assign your assets to…
How Can I Provide for My Child with Special Needs?
The number of people in the United States with special needs has grown significantly in recent decades as a result of technology and medical advances. This increase has created concerns for the care for the members of this population. The…
Philip Seymour Hoffman: Estate Planning Lessons
The death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman is truly a great loss to the entertainment world, and a tragedy for the talented actor’s family and friends. Like the sudden and tragic death of actor James Gandolfini, estate planning lessons can…
Tell Your Story with an Ethical Will
When most people think of creating an estate plan, they think of legal and financial documents that provide for the transfer of their material wealth – the contents of their bank accounts, their home, and personal property. But some of…
Marriage and Prenuptial Agreements: What to Consider
In today's world, as an estate planner we are seeing more clients interested in Prenuptial Agreements. Here are a few thoughts to consider: YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE RICH TO HAVE ONE Those days are over. Yes, us ordinary folk can and…