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 […]
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 […]
Service Dogs: A Lifeline for Families with Disabled Children
Service dogs are specially trained to provide assistance to children with disabilities. They can be taught to support kids in a variety of unique ways that help with daily living and even help in an emergency situation. For families with disabled children, service dogs can be a lifeline. The Various Ways Service Dogs Can Help […]
How to Create a Business Succession Plan
Owning a business can be an all-encompassing task. When you are focused on the day-to-day management and administration of your business, it can be hard to think long-term about a succession plan. However, planning for the future of your business after your passing is crucial. Why Create a Succession Plan? Succession planning is important for […]
Why a Power of Attorney Is So Important for Your College Student
When most people think about estate planning tools such as power of attorney, they imagine that they are solely for people who already have children, who have significant assets, or who are nearing the end of their lives. However, you may be surprised to know that many estate planning lawyers also recommend that college students […]
What Single Seniors Need to Know About Their Estate Plan
Whether you’re a single senior who lives alone or one who lives with a partner, establishing a new estate plan or modifying an existing one is essential. You might wish to leave assets to your partner that they could not get through intestate succession, or maybe you have children you want to leave your assets […]
Is it Better to Inherit Stocks or Cash?
Inheriting any assets from someone’s estate could benefit a person financially. However, it can also create some challenges. Cash and stock inheritances come with various advantages and disadvantages. Although they provide the funds someone might need to pay necessary expenses or grow their portfolio, some complications could arise. When you’re inheriting either cash or stocks, […]