Why You Should Take the Time to Create a Legal Plan Now
If you have a child with special needs, you may be tempted to assume that if something happens to you or your partner, your other children will take care of their sibling. However, it’s important to take the time now to create a legal plan for your child so that they are always protected no […]
How Often Do I Need to Update My Estate Plan?
Creating an estate plan feels like something you check off a to-do list. Once the task is complete, you can move on and forget about it. However, that is not the mentality you should take when drafting your final wishes. An estate plan should reflect your current circumstances and should be periodically reviewed and amended […]
What is Probate?
Probate is the process of bringing a Last Will and Testament to the Surrogate’s Court and asking for them to prove its validity. Once the court declares that the Will is valid, they issue something called Letter Testamentary to the Executor. This allows the executor to step into the shoes of the decedent and handle […]
Can an Email Serve as My Last Will and Testament?
When it comes to estate planning, many people wonder if they can simply write their wishes down in an email and have it be considered a legal Last Will and Testament. While it’s true that technology has made it easier than ever to communicate our wishes and desires, an email is not typically sufficient to […]
The Dangers of DIY Planning—Especially When You Have a Child with Special Needs!
With today’s technology, access to information is literally in the palm of our hands. From your cell phone, you can download manuals to repair a washing machine that’s thirty years old or watch step-by-step video tutorials that will teach you how to do anything from knitting a sweater to playing an instrument without taking a […]
Caring for a Veteran? Check Out These Programs for Help
A recent survey counted over 18.2 million American Veterans over age 65. Many of these Veterans include those who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Suppose you are caring for an elderly Veteran. In that case, you should know about the benefits and services available for the […]
Strategies to Safeguard Assets for Spouses When Facing Long-Term Care
You worked hard to provide for your spouse throughout your marriage, and you want to continue to do so well into your retirement years. When the need for nursing home care or assisted living is on the horizon, the cost of such care can weigh heavily. The good news is that asset protection planning can […]
What You Need to Know What You Need to Know About Series I Bonds
A Series I bond is a non-marketable interest-bearing U.S. government savings bond. It’s a low-risk investment that earns a variable inflation rate adjusted every May and November and an interest rate fixed for the bond’s life. The non-marketable feature means you can’t sell or buy it in a secondary market. Determining the Interest Rate of […]
How to Properly Choose Beneficiaries
An essential part of estate planning is designating beneficiaries for your life insurance policy, 401(k), and other financial accounts. A beneficiary is a person who receives someone’s assets upon their death. There is no “correct choice” when choosing the beneficiaries who will inherit from you. It’s a personal decision. What must be handled “properly” however […]
Common Mistakes People Make When Setting Up a Will
Estate planning lawyers know that preparing for death is unpleasant, but it’s a crucial part of life. You deserve peace of mind knowing that your loved ones won’t struggle to make basic decisions about your burial or financial matters when you pass away. Drafting a will can remove the overwhelming responsibility from their shoulders, so […]