Many clients ask about doing their own Will online and most clients think their estate plan needs are “simple.” Since we rarely see a truly “simple” plan, we created this comparison to show some of the differences between do-it-yourself, fill-in-the-blank…
This is a common question that comes up when planning for the future. Let’s look at one all-to-common scenario. Your spouse has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. What will happen when you can no longer care for him and…
It may seem confusing when attorneys start listing the important estate planning documents you should have, but there’s an easy way to remember what you need and when… 3 by 23 and 5 by 55. 3 x 23 Did you…
If you’re like most people, you have the best of intentions regarding how you want your estate distributed when you die or your affairs handled should you become incapacitated. Unfortunately, without proper planning, your best intentions may not be enough.…
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren, but naming a minor as a beneficiary can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t involve leaving assets directly to a minor. There…
Do you have a will? A durable power of attorney? A health care proxy? If so, no reason to read on. If not, why not? Failure to create an estate plan risks causing discord in your family for generations to…
More and more of the music, movies, and books we own exist only online, in digital form. What happens to these collections after the owner dies? Surprisingly, while you may want your heirs to have access to the books, music…
A recent court case involving a power of attorney demonstrates the problem with using online estate planning forms instead of hiring an attorney who can make sure your documents are tailored to your needs. Mercedes Goosley owned a home in…
As life circumstances change (births, marriages, divorces, and deaths), it may become necessary to make changes to your will. If an estate plan is not kept up-to-date, it can become useless. The best way to make changes is either through…
Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets. Although setting up an irrevocable trust lacks the simplicity of giving a gift, it may be a better way…