There are many reasons to review and revise your legal documents often. Your answers to these important questions may indicate a need for updates. Here are some potential issues that may arise if you haven’t checked your estate plan lately, and some ways to resolve those issues. Potential Issue: Is the plan out of date? Remedy: Older plans are not bad if they accomplish the client’s goals. But new and improved techniques are being developed every day. Potential Issues: Was your plan drafted before 2011? Remedy:  In 2011, tax laws changes and allowed a person to take advantage of the.

Continue Reading

This weekend, over four thousand theaters across the country were flooded with Star Wars fans. Americans young and old turned out to see the debut of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. If you were there, you saw Carrie Fisher on screen, reprising her iconic role as Princess Leia Organa. Sadly, the actress who stole our hearts as Luke Skywalker’s unwitting twin sister was not there to see the premiere of this latest installment. On December 27, 2016, she passed away at the age of 60 from a heart attack. Carrie was the daughter of Debbie Reynolds, a major celebrity in.

Continue Reading

Most people today know and love someone from a blended family, or come from a blended family themselves. The latest statistics show 46 percent of weddings taking place in the United States today are the creation of a stepfamily. Blended families come in countless shapes and sizes, and can be just as diverse in their dynamics and values. If you are part of a blended family, you are aware of the unique benefits and challenges that can come with the territory. Because they are so unique, the process of protecting your family can be equally challenging. It is therefore important.

Continue Reading

Choosing someone to administer your estate may be a daunting task. This person is known as a fiduciary or someone who is legally obligated to act in your interest. After you thoughtfully set up your trust and the stipulations for taking care of your loved ones financially, you will need someone to act in your behalf to see it through. He or she will be responsible for continued management of the trust and/or distribution to the beneficiaries. The trustee will consult with the beneficiaries about periodic checks issued from the trust, expenses to be paid and permissible withdrawals against the principal. Here are some considerations for selecting the right person for the job.

Continue Reading