The first step in planning is realizing the importance of doing it! There are several pieces of an estate plan that will ensure your loved ones receive their inheritance from you with the least amount of trouble, taxes and court delays. Engaging comp

Don’t let the term “estate” make you think estate planning is for people far wealthier than you. Your estate, no matter how modest, consists of everything you own – your car, home, savings, investments, insurance and personal possessions.

The care you have taken of your family and assets during your lifetime doesn’t end upon your passing.  If you fail to plan, then the state has a plan and it may not be the plan you had in mind. Legal Planning can save your loved ones from the h

It’s one thing to plan for your passing; it is in everyone’s future. It’s another thing to think about the possibility of serious injury or incapacity. However, as uncomfortable as that topic is, it is very important that you legally document w

Special needs children and adults are particularly vulnerable to financial abuse.  Therefore, careful planning is particularly important if you have a child with special needs or a child that qualifies (or could potentially qualify) for government a

You’ve worked hard and have been careful with your money so you want to make sure it goes to the people YOU choose. Carefully Structure Your Plan It is important that you carefully evaluate your property and determine the best way to pass it to y

If you (and the other parent of your children) die and you don’t have a legal plan, the results can be tragic. The following case study illustrates what can happen without a plan: Case Study. Bob and Judy have been married for 10 years and have t

Life happens and as much as we like to think we are invincible, unfortunately we aren’t.  If something happens to you (and your child’s other parent) and you don’t have a legal plan in place, then a judge will decide who will raise your childr

A Will: A will is a legal document that states how certain property a person owns will be distributed when they die. It also appoints a person to oversee the distribution of such property together with the probate court.  A guardian can also be

Generally a person forms a living trust for 5 reasons:   To Avoid the Hassles of Probate. Assets placed in a living trust do not have to go through the probate process.  Probate is a court-supervised process where assets are inventoried

Your Life and the Law Changes I am sure when you completed your estate plan you felt relief and confidence that all was in place for your loved ones. However, time marches on. Just as your life changes, your trust needs to change to fit your new ci

If you are drafting a will or trust, you will be required to select a personal representative (executor) to administer your estate and/or a trustee to carry out the terms of any trusts you have established. Here are some considerations for selecting

Choosing who to care for your minor children in the event of your passing may well be one of the most difficult decisions you face as part of your planning process. The following is a list of suggestions to help you weigh your options. The first thin