Estate Planning Considerations for Veterans: Tips to Ensure Your Service is Honored
For those who have served in the military, estate planning takes on unique considerations. Veterans have earned specific benefits and honors due to their service, and it’s essential that these are incorporated into an estate and long-term care plan. Here are some key points veterans should consider: Safeguarding Your DD214 Your DD214, or Certificate of […]
Why Do I Need Someone to Witness My Will?
When it comes to estate planning, ensuring that your will is legally valid is paramount. One of the key components of a valid will is having witnesses present during its signing. But why is this step so crucial? Our estate lawyers delve into the importance of having witnesses for your will below. Legal Validation The […]
Flexibility and Considerations for Changing Beneficiaries on Your Life Insurance
Life insurance is a powerful tool to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of financially after you’re gone. But as life evolves, so do our relationships and priorities. A common question we encounter is: “Can I change the beneficiaries on my life insurance whenever I want?” Our will and trust attorneys dive into […]
Understanding Beneficiary Rights: Navigating Trustee Interactions
When you’re named a beneficiary of a trust, it’s natural to have questions about your inheritance and the trustee’s actions. Knowing your rights is essential in ensuring transparency and fair management. Here, our trust lawyers shed light on the powers and responsibilities at play. Your Rights as a Beneficiary Right to Information: As a beneficiary, […]
Choosing the Right Guardian for Your Child with Special Needs
Choosing a guardian for any child is a weighty decision, but when that child has special needs, the stakes are even higher. Parents need to ensure not only a safe and loving environment but also one that caters to their child’s unique requirements. An experienced special needs lawyer can offer some vital considerations to bear […]
Broaching the Sensitive Topic of Estate Planning
Estate planning is a crucial topic, but it’s often cloaked in sensitivity, especially when older loved ones feel that their finances are private matters. Knowing how to navigate this conversation respectfully and effectively is crucial. Why It Matters Having a will and comprehensive estate plan ensures that your loved one’s wishes are carried out, minimizing […]
Understanding ‘Community Spouse’ in Medicaid Context
When navigating the intricacies of Medicaid, particularly when planning for long-term care, you’ll encounter terms that might be unfamiliar yet profoundly influential. One such term is “community spouse.” I’m here to demystify this concept and its implications for Medicaid eligibility and benefits. What is a ‘Community Spouse’? A “community spouse,” sometimes referred to as the […]
Understanding the ‘Step-Up in Basis’ When Selling Inherited Assets
Inheriting an asset can be a mixed blessing. While it might signify a meaningful bequest from a loved one, it also comes with its own tax implications. One of the most significant tax features to understand when inheriting property is the “step-up in basis”. We often encounter clients who are unaware or confused about how […]
Facing the Future: Five Essential Tips for National Estate Planning Awareness Week
National Estate Planning Awareness Week, observed from October 17-23, 2023, is an annual reminder of the importance of planning for the future. This week prompts us to think critically about what lies ahead and how we can ensure the protection and well-being of our loved ones. Estate planning might sound complex and overwhelming, but it […]
How to Order a Death Certificate After a Loved One’s Passing
The loss of a loved one is always a challenging time. Amidst the emotional turmoil, there are several practical tasks that must be undertaken. One of the foremost among these is obtaining the deceased’s death certificate. I’m here to guide you through the process to make it as straightforward as possible. Why Do You Need […]