Getting ready to embark on your next great adventure? Before you zip up the last suitcase, here are five issues you need to address to protect yourself and your loved ones. Do you have a foundational estate plan? Has it been reviewed? An estate plan is a set of instructions memorialized in legal documents that […]

As we all know, life happens. There is really nothing we can do about it. However, some of the most common life events can have a dramatic effect on your estate plan. If you think your estate plan is like a slow cooker and you can set it and forget it, you and your loved […]

Thank you for all that you do for us. We understand that being the first one on the scene can come with many different risks. We are dedicated to protecting you and your loved ones from the different types of emergencies that may pop up during your life. The following are some important questions for […]

In estate planning circles, the word “probate” often carries a negative connotation. Indeed, for many people—especially those with valuable accounts and property—financial planners recommend trying to keep accounts and property out of probate whenever possible. That being said, the probate system was ultimately established to protect the deceased’s accounts and property as well as their […]

One would assume that celebrities with extreme wealth would take steps to protect their estates. But think again: some of the world’s richest and most famous people enter the pearly gates with no estate plan, while others have made estate planning mistakes that tied up their fortunes and heirs in court for years. Let us […]

Although your death is probably a long way off, it is important that you have a plan to ensure that your affairs are settled in the way that you want. An estate plan crafted by an experienced estate planning attorney is a legally enforceable set of documents that allows you to name who will have […]

Welcoming a child into the family is a major milestone in every parent’s life, especially if you have utilized assisted reproductive technology (ART). With this blessing comes the need for comprehensive financial and estate plans that are uniquely tailored to your family’s needs. As you continue your journey, we want to provide you with answers […]

If your life or the law has changed since you signed your last will and testament (will) or trust agreement, you need to update your document. You can make updates to a revocable living trust by way of an amendment or a complete restatement of the trust agreement. An amendment updates a specific part of […]

With couples of similar ages, planning for the future is naturally a joint effort. However, if you are married to someone who is significantly older or younger than you, the future can look different and mean different things to each of you. To protect yourself, your spouse, and other loved ones, you need to have […]

A number of married couples think about their accounts and property as “yours, mine, and ours,” especially if either or both spouses have gotten or will be getting remarried, married late in life, or have brought or will be bringing significant amounts of money and property into the marriage. Deciding what should happen to all […]

According to Statista, more than 295 million people in the United States use social media. If you are an avid social media user, have you considered what will happen to your accounts when you die? If you have spent time creating, uploading, and sharing content, it is important to take a look now at what […]

Cryptocurrency’s popularity has rapidly increased in recent years, with more people buying and selling it. Here are three things you need to know about cryptocurrency in relation to your estate plan. Beware of the Tax Consequences Transferring your cryptocurrency to other people, either during life or at your death, could have income, estate, and gift […]

What is special needs planning? Special needs planning is a process of identifying and providing for the future care and financial security of family members or individuals with disabilities. It can involve creating or updating a will, creating a special needs trust, designating a guardian, establishing a disability income plan, and more. When do you […]

Along with warmer weather and lazy days spent at a pool, summertime also often includes a family gathering, such as a Fourth of July barbecue, a family vacation, a reunion, or time spent at a family cabin or lake house. Whatever the form, in our always-on-the-go society, getting the whole family together is a rare […]

Estate administration is the legal process of managing someone’s financial and legal affairs after they die. This can include tasks such as paying debts, distributing assets, and transferring of the deceased person’s property. The person responsible for handling these matters is called the executor or administrator. If the deceased had a will, the estate administrator […]

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They create jobs, spur innovation and drive growth. But running a small business is not without its challenges for business owners. From complying with regulations to managing finances, legal issues are always lurking in the background. That’s why it’s so important for small businesses to have a […]

Estate planning attorneys frequently hear from their clients, “I’d like to leave something to my grandchildren. What’s the best way to do that?” Naturally, grandparents love their grandchildren and want them to succeed in life. And when grandparents are in the twilight of their lives, their hearts often turn to the younger generation with a […]

For over a quarter of a century, the National Safety Council has recognized June as National Safety Month. An objective of National Safety Month is to raise public awareness of the top safety and health risks in the United States. One of the lesser known but considerable risks Americans and their loved ones face are […]

What is special education law? Special education law is a branch of educational law that deals with the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free and appropriate education. This includes the right to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and access to related services, such as special education, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. What […]

The month of May means we are getting closer to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, but also the beginning of the busiest moving season of the year. That’s why May is National Moving Month. There is a lot to think about when moving: along with organizing and packing up […]

What is elder law? Elder law is a branch of law that deals with the unique legal needs of older adults. It can include everything from estate planning and asset protection to long-term care planning and government benefits. What does an elder law lawyer do? An elder law attorney can help you with a wide […]

When it comes to death and what to do with a deceased’s remains, most people think of only two options: burial or cremation. However, these options are not particularly environmentally friendly. Burial, which is arguably the worst option from an environmental standpoint, uses an estimated 100,000 tons of steel, 1.5 million tons of concrete, 77,000 […]

What is a guardianship lawyer? A guardianship lawyer is an attorney who represents individuals or organizations in proceedings for a legal guardianship process. Guardianship attorneys may also be appointed by a court to represent individuals. Guardianship lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Do I need a […]

We all plan for “just-in-case” scenarios. When packing for our week-long vacation, we throw in a rain jacket even though the weather forecast is sunny—just in case. When planning for the future, it is also important to consider what will happen just in case one of your loved ones becomes disabled. We tend to think […]

In fact, it’s more important than ever to have a plan in place, especially if you have people relying on you. Working with estate planning professionals in order to have all of your estate taxes and estate distribution covered during the probate process is a great way to ensure that your affairs are in order, […]

February 21 is the day on which we celebrate several US presidents who made noteworthy contributions to our country. As with any discussion that involves politics, a discussion about US presidents risks generating a variety of opinions about which reasonable minds can disagree. However, politics is not the focus of this month’s newsletter. Instead, our […]

When you find yourself needing legal representation, it can be sudden and unexpected. You may not have the money to pay a lawyer, especially when your situation is very complicated. In such times, you might wonder if you should still hire a lawyer for their services. Do I really need a lawyer or can I […]

Not only is January the first month of a new year, it is also a time when many celebrate Hunt for Happiness Week (January 16-22, 2022). Happiness is something that humanity, in large part, has spent a tremendous amount of effort pursuing throughout history. Early on, happiness likely came from simple victories such as having […]