Most people own something. Whether you have bank accounts, automobiles, or just a few personal belongs, they have to go somewhere when you pass away. During probate, the personal representative of your estate will gather your assets and safeguard them until probate is finished. Personal representatives sometimes have a tough job, especially when dealing with […]

At times it may become necessary to have someone to take care of business for you. But you may not be sure how to appoint an agent. Maybe you only need an agent for one transaction or you want something with a little grander scope. Also, giving someone power over your life can be a […]

Getting ready for a wedding involves strict attention to many details, both small and large. Sometime between sending the invitations and leaving for the honeymoon, the bride and groom may decide to sign a pre-nuptial agreement. They also need to give some thought to their estate plans. Specifically, does a pre-nuptial agreement trump an estate […]

People don’t always want their family members to inherit from them. Some spouses, like Julia and her husband, Rob, are not financially dependent on each other. Martin is estranged from his youngest daughter, Emily, and does not feel comfortable leaving her anything in his Will. And Marla and her husband, Jack, dislike each other but […]

Crib? Check. Diapers? Check. Estate plan? … Young parents usually get their house in order before a new baby arrives. It’s unlikely, though, that they think about estate planning. However, taking care of this important step helps secure your child’s future. Typical Estate Planning The most common documents in an estate plan are a Will, […]

Millions of dollars are spent every year on do-it-yourself projects. In fact, there are large stores and websites devoted to meeting the needs of people who enjoy everything from painting to landscaping to building furniture. However, often DIY projects don’t quite turn out as expected. Sometimes it’s because the people doing them don’t have the […]

One common estate planning excuse is, “I don’t feel comfortable talking about death.” Set aside the fact that estate planning also deals with life. We still need to understand it’s okay to talk about death sometimes. In fact, it is necessary. “For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are […]

Charlotte’s parents, Raymond and Leah, started to need more help with their daily activities. Both suffered from chronic diseases and one or both of them seemed headed for 24/7 care. As Charlotte helped them plan, she wondered if her parents were really ready to accept long-term care – and whether they could pay for it. […]

Sometimes an individual’s Will seems to reflect their personality. After all, it is an extremely individual document. Comedian Robin Williams should be applauded for doing his estate planning. He also managed to get a little of his character into what otherwise might have been an extremely dry legal document. It’s not quirky, but he took […]

Life can hit hard and with no notice. It doesn’t care how old or young you are. Incapacity and disability may creep up slowly or shatter someone’s future in a split second. If you feel you are too young for incapacity planning, read on. It’s Almost Unthinkable. And, yes, the likelihood you’ll be disabled or […]