The Complexities of Leaving a Legacy to Your Nieces and Nephews
If you share a close bond with your nieces and nephews, ensuring they’re included in your estate plan is natural. However, the laws of inheritance can complicate things, especially for younger beneficiaries. Let’s unravel the factors to consider: How Inheritance Laws Work without a Will When you die without a will (known as dying “intestate”), […]
Estate Planning When Facing a Nursing Home Transition
The decision to place a parent in a nursing home rarely comes easily. Apart from the emotional toll, significant financial and legal adjustments are often necessary. While immediate well-being takes priority, it’s vital to safeguard your parent’s assets and long-term care needs with proactive estate planning. Questions to Guide Your Consultation Elder law attorneys focus […]
New Home Contract? Now’s the Time to Consider a Trust
You’ve found your dream home and your offer’s been accepted – this is an exciting time! As you approach closing, your agent, attorney, or title company will ask how you’d like to hold the title to the property. While individual ownership is common, placing your new house into a trust right from the start has […]
Are All Trusts Living Trusts?
The word “trust” gets used quite broadly, creating potential confusion. While a “living trust” is a widely discussed instrument for estate planning, it’s crucial to understand that not every trust is a living trust. We’ll break down the key distinctions. What is a Trust? Simply put, a trust is a legal arrangement where someone (the […]
Step by Step Moving Forward After Losing a Spouse
April marks Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month, bringing attention to an emotional challenge that many of us will eventually encounter: the loss of a life partner. It’s a difficult transition, and no matter how well-prepared we might think we are, the reality is always a tough journey. Beyond the emotional adjustment, there are practical and […]
Understanding Retirement Account Beneficiaries
Retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are often significant components of your financial portfolio. But do you know who will inherit these funds when you pass away? It’s a crucial aspect of estate planning that deserves attention. Here, we offer expert insight into how retirement accounts are handled after your death. Designating Beneficiaries: Your […]
Revising Your Estate Plan After an Heir Passes Away
The loss of a loved one not only brings emotional challenges but also necessitates important revisions in your estate plan. If the individual who passed away was an integral part of your plan, either as a beneficiary or in a pivotal role like Power of Attorney, it’s essential to reevaluate your arrangements. Consulting with an […]
Navigating Out-of-State Bereavement
Losing a loved one is always difficult, and the challenge can be compounded when they pass away in a different state. If you’re facing this situation, it’s important to know that you may be able to manage many of their affairs from a distance. As your local trust and estates lawyer, we’re here to guide […]
Facilitating Family Discussions: Estate Planning Amidst Conflict
Estate planning often brings about crucial conversations about the future. When family dynamics are marked by tension or conflict, discussing your estate planning wishes can become even more challenging. However, clear communication is key to ensuring your plans are understood and respected. An estate planning lawyer can offer not only legal guidance but also strategies […]
Why Setting Up a Trust is a Smart Move When Buying a New Home
Buying a new home is more than just a significant financial investment; it’s a key component of your overall estate. As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s crucial to consider how this asset will be managed, both now and in the future. One effective strategy for managing real estate assets is setting up a […]