One of the common things to do when it comes to estate planning is to only focus on what happens when you die and ignore planning for the possibility of a medical emergency where you may not die but are temporarily or permanently incapacitated. Think accident, head injury, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, early onset
Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. That’s especially the case when you are so focused on loving and caring for your new bundle of joy. The other reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to
When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to “sweat the small stuff” — tangible personal property. Examples include automobiles, jewelry, clothing, antiques, furniture, artwork, photographs, music collections, personal papers, collectibles (such as stamps, coins or baseball cards) and
A scary health diagnosis can be emotionally and logistically challenging for many reasons. For instance, how can you take care of your family if you’re physically incapacitated? In addition to working closely with your medical providers, consider these three legal tips: Check your estate plan with your attorney to make sure it is up
Research tells us that the majority of Americans today still do not have estate planning in place and only a third of parents have properly named legal guardians for their minor children. That’s problematic because life happens to all of us and gives none of us a heads up. But our message this week is not about
Sadly, most Americans are indifferent to estate planning – at best – or completely ignore the issue – at worst. When it comes to estate planning, however, there are just some mistakes that you and your loved ones cannot afford. Some mistakes involve ignoring common sense such that it would be like seeing a wad
The New Year is here! Do you ever find, as we do, that the years tend to fly by the older we get? We know just how busy this year is already because it is for us, too. Between work and the holidays and getting the kids back in school, it feels like there is
The year 2018 has been no stranger to natural disasters. From multiple earthquakes, back-to-back hurricanes, and raging wildfires, the United States and abroad has suffered some serious natural disasters. These acts of nature can devastate your life and your family. Who knows what 2019 will bring. In addition to creating a disaster preparedness plan for
Many people think that if they die while they are married, everything they own automatically goes to their spouse or children. They’re actually thinking of state rules that apply if someone dies without leaving a will. In legal jargon, this is referred to as “intestate.” In that case, the specifics will vary depending on each
Estate planning is complex and continually evolving. Often, affluent families are “early adopters” of the newest and best estate planning strategies. Luckily, by working with us, you can benefit from the same estate planning strategies that affluent families do. Here are a few techniques we should discuss soon. 1) Maintain an up-to-date, trust-centered plan The
Many people who put together an estate plan do so when they start a family – assuming they put an estate plan together at all during their lifetime. While putting an estate plan together is a good thing to do, those that do make few updates once the plan has been created, despite other key
The holidays are an ideal time to reflect on who and what you are most grateful for in your life. While you are spending quality time with your loved ones this holiday season, we hope that you, like us, take this opportunity to share family traditions, important values, and have a discussion about the
The end of the year is fast approaching. As we all prepare for the holidays and the coming of 2019, it is important that we wrap up any loose strings. Before entering into the new year, here are some things that need to be on your end of year checklist: 1. Review Your Living
The holiday season is a time to enjoy friends, family, and loved ones. Often we consider our life circumstances and may get in the spirit of giving. This is particularly true if you are at a point in your life were you have enough from a financial standpoint. If you are planning on giving money
The recent passing of a few notable celebrities has shed some light on just how important comprehensive estate planning is for the protection of your estate and loved ones. Many of us know the singing legends, Aretha Franklin and Prince, but you may not have known that both of these superstars passed without a last