Having a pet brings many people joy and provides them with a living creature to take care of and to provide companionship. Unfortunately, pets are often overlooked in people’s plans for incapacity or death. The types of animals that one has as well of the needs of those animals should…
The start of a new year is a great time to revisit your estate plan, reflecting on things that may have changed since you last looked at these documents. As we begin the second month of 2022, here are some questions to consider for your estate plan: Do you have…
Have you moved from one state or another, or are you currently planning to move to a new state? People change states for a variety of reasons such as a new job, a more pleasant climate, or to live closer to other family members. There are always some hassles you’ll…
We often think of financial planning as a set of distinct practices – including those such as estate planning, investment planning, retirement planning, etc. But what events typically lead you to reach out to a financial advisor (or, if you are an advisor, when do your clients reach out to…
Although there are a number of valid form wills online or at local office supply stores, a lot of problems can come from creating a will this way without the advice and expertise of an attorney. With a will that you download, you get a form and perhaps some instructions…
Different people grieve in different ways, and sometimes people handle the death of someone they love in ways that are confusing or frustrating, such as fighting over small things like who gets a furniture set. I’ll write today about no-contest clauses. A no-contest clause is a provision in your will…
Elder law and estate planning serve two different but important purposes. While elder law focuses on preserving your wealth and promoting your well-being during your lifetime, estate planning concentrates on what happens after you have passed away. Elder law planning helps to ensure that seniors can live as long, healthy,…
Last week I wrote about health care components of an estate plan that can bring some peace of mind during the current pandemic. Today I will cover important financial components of your estate plan. Financial Components of an Estate Plan Financial Power of Attorney With a financial power of attorney,…
The coronavirus has taken a toll on all of us in a number of ways, including our physical and mental health. Most of us know at least one person who has been affected by the coronavirus. Planning well for health care and financial needs in your estate plan can bring…
The unveiling of one’s last will and testament almost never happens like it does in the movies, where an attorney reads the document out loud and those in attendance are shocked. Although a formal reading is rare, those who are named (or not named) in someone’s last will and testament…