Clik here to view.
Probate Basics
When a person dies, his loved ones often discover that some or all of the decedent’s property cannot be transferred to the heirs or beneficiaries without a court order. The process of obtaining the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Are You Done When You Are Done?
So you have been to visit your estate planning attorney and have signed your wills and other documents. You’ve received the originals from your attorney and placed them in your special place for...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Your Inheritance – Are You Ready?
Inheriting wealth can be a burden and a blessing. Even if you think a family member may remember you in their will, there are many aspects of receiving an inheritance that you may not have considered....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Ten Top Reasons to Make Your Will
There are undoubtedly more than ten reasons why it is a good idea for you to have a Will. But I recently heard an attorney in another state make a presentation on some of the top reasons why he...
View ArticleClik here to view.
One Thing to Do for Your Children Now That They Are Adults.
Amazing how quickly time passes. This post was originally written seven years ago, but for those with children graduating from high school soon, it is worth repeating. My son just graduated from high...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Mistakes Executors Make
An article published in the Wall Street Journal several years ago is still one of my favorites. It is particularly relevant to those who are serving or have been designated as executor in friends’ or...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Signed My Will – Now What?
If you have had a will prepared and signed it with the appropriate formalities, don’t allow your family to be the one calling the attorney and saying, “Dad said he had a will, but we cannot find it.”...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is It Really a Free Dinner???
Have you received the mailings or seen the notices in your local newspaper or periodical? Free Lunch Seminar on the Critical Elements of Estate Planning. Free Dinner (at a fancy restaurant) on what...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Have You Protected Your Digital Assets?
Digital assets are fast becoming one of the most valuable parts of many people’s estates. The following column alerts us to ideas for protecting those assets when we die. Don’t leave grieving...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Does Your Will Need To Be Updated?
I will occasionally have clients who wish to probate the will of a deceased parent or spouse, only to find that the will is very old; I think about fifty years old is the oldest I’ve had. This...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dealing With an Elderly Driver
This subject isn’t exactly estate planning, but it is something an increasing number of clients face. I saw this article on the topic of dealing with parents or other loved ones who are losing their...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person to handle your affairs when you’re unable to do so. The person you appoint is referred to as an “Attorney-in-Fact” or “Agent.” A...
View ArticleClik here to view.
August is Make-A-Will Month
For many people making a will isn’t the most pleasant of tasks, and consequently, too few people do it. According to many surveys most people don’t have a will. The biggest reason cited by many: They...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Do You Really Need A Will?
I sometimes hear single or divorced clients say they don’t think they need a will. A recent case demonstrates why that conclusion is likely erroneous. Decedent’s siblings claimed that they should...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Avoiding Lost Documents
I frequently hear from clients who inquire about probating their family member’s estate that they cannot locate important documents of the deceased family member even though they know the documents...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Where Is My Power of Attorney?
It is frustrating as an estate planning attorney to receive a call from a client asking if I have the estate planning documents they signed. Because our society is so mobile, I do not retain original...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Is Your Will Up-To-Date?
Preparing a will is one of the best ways to be certain that upon your death your property will be distributed according to your wishes. What many people don’t realize, however, is that keeping your...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What the Heck Does “Per Stirpes” Mean in My Will?
An estate planning client recently called me to say he wanted the words “per stirpes” removed from his will because he “read on the Internet” that these words were old fashioned, confusing and lead to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Seven Reasons Why Everyone Should Have a Will
Estate planning is a broad concept that can incorporate tax planning, financial and retirement planning, planning for disability and planning for death. As this suggests you should not only consult an...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Preparing to Call Your Estate Planning Attorney
I know most of you can barely hold yourself back from dialing that phone and calling your estate planning attorney to set an appointment to do your will. But let’s reign in some of that enthusiasm and...
View Article
