The old saying, “there is no time like the present” may not have been conceived because of estate planning, but it does apply. In fact, the full quote is, “No time like the present, a thousand unforeseen circumstances may interrupt you at a future time”... Continue
For many clients, estate planning decisions are easy. These clients are your typical “nuclear family” -- a married couple (no previous marriages) with one or more children of the current marriage. As I said, typically, these folks have pretty easy estate planning decisions. The estate... Continue
One of the first questions I get when meeting with clients is, “How much is this going to cost?” I am never upset at someone asking this because it is a very valid question. Furthermore, knowing up front what an estate plan will cost is... Continue
Got minors? If you have minor children there are a few things you must do and a few things that you should seriously consider when preparing your estate plan. Topping the “must” list: naming a guardian for your minor child. There is nothing more important... Continue
By definition, if an estate plan is triggered, it is because of the death or serious disability of a family member or close friend. Therefore, most estate plans are administered during periods of great grief and mourning. Those who survive the deceased are charged not... Continue
Not all durable power of attorney forms are created equal. First, let’s clarify what a durable power of attorney form (DPOA) is, and what it does for you. A DPOA form allows you to designate a trusted person, often your spouse or adult child, to... Continue
When a client comes into my office, one of the first things we discuss is whether or not they have a trusted friend or family member to act as their successor. This may be a successor trustee in the case of a living trust, or... Continue
First let me say that I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This article is meant to discuss what I refer to as sudden incapacity, in a legal context and not a medical one. The concept of legal incapacity is... Continue
I am often asked “What do I need to bring to my first estate planning meeting?” Although clients don’t “need” anything, I often explain that certain decisions need to be made --decisions that I can’t help them make before the first meeting. I can help them... Continue
I have two matters in my office right now that are headed to court. What’s worse, both of these cases originate from the same trust. Not because someone is suing the estate, not because they failed to do estate planning, but because the estate planning... Continue