Estate planning is part of the broader legal specialty of elder law, so estate planning attorneys stay abreast of all of the issues that are relevant to seniors. Clearly, the health and well-being of our nations elders is a matter of great importance. From a psychological perspective, seniors can sometimes experience loneliness and the loss of a sense of purpose once they are retired and their family members have become independent. Clearly, this can lead to depression, and … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Pets Must Be Provided For Too
Blog
The “Three R's” Of Estate Planning
We have all heard of the "Three R's" as they apply to education, but there are another set of R's that are relevant to the topic of estate planning. And unlike reading, writing, and arithmetic, these three actually all do begin with the letter R.Recognition The first step along a path is to recognize the fact that you need to get on the path in the first place. Many people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning, feeling as though it is something that you can always think … [Read more...] about The “Three R's” Of Estate Planning
Incapacity Planning: Sooner Rather Than Later
Estate planning is something that adults of all ages should take seriously because no one can predict the future and any day could be your last. This having been said, without question estate planning is going to become more and more immediately relevant as you reach the latter stages of your life. Of course you are going to be very focused on making sure that your loved ones are provided for after you pass away, but there are some other things to take into consideration as … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning: Sooner Rather Than Later
Elder Law Attorneys Light The Way
It is not uncommon for people to recognize the fact that they should have an estate plan in place but simply drag their feet because they don't know where to begin. This is understandable, because estate planning can indeed be a daunting task for the uninitiated. For this reason the intelligent course of action is to work with an elder law attorney from the outset who has the experience that it takes to set you on the appropriate course given the specifics of your situation. One … [Read more...] about Elder Law Attorneys Light The Way
The “Zeroed Out” GRAT
When you think about it from a purely innocent and objective standpoint, it would seem as though estate planning is the easiest thing in the world. All you have to do is take assets that belonged to you and have them transferred to someone else after you pass away. How hard can this be? The reality is that it may not be that difficult to make this happen from a legal perspective, but the problem lies in the expenses that can be incurred while doing so. Between the estate tax … [Read more...] about The “Zeroed Out” GRAT
Estate Planning Attorney A Must For Blended Families
Estate planning can be rather complex for anyone depending on the scope of your assets, the way they are positioned, and the specific nature of your wishes. This is why it is always going to be advisable to retain the services of an estate planning attorney when you are making preparations for the future. To be able to plan effectively you must be aware of all the tools that are available to you and know how and when you should use them. Estate planning attorneys are faced with … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Attorney A Must For Blended Families
The Probate Process, Your Estate, & Your Executor
There are people who are not aware of the fact that your last will is not something that is only going to be shared in private among your family members. When you use a last will as your primary vehicle of asset transfer, your estate must be probated. During this time the probate court will examine the will and attest to its validity. If anybody wanted to step forward and contest your wishes they would present their arguments in front of this court. At the same time, … [Read more...] about The Probate Process, Your Estate, & Your Executor
Succession Planning Strategy For Small Business Partners
The correct approach to estate planning is something that is going to vary on a case by case basis depending on your unique situation, and with this in mind, let's take a look at succession planning for small business partners. If you are a partner in a small business your financial share in the business may represent the largest asset that you have. When you pass away your partners are probably still going to want to remain in business, and it is likely that you feel the same way … [Read more...] about Succession Planning Strategy For Small Business Partners
Your Probate Attorney & Your Estate
Estate planning requires a good bit of decision-making and the execution of certain documents that are used to legally record your wishes. This is well and good, but ultimately someone is going to have to carry out these wishes in a hands-on manner. If you use a will as your primary vehicle of asset transfer your estate is going to have to pass through probate. During this interim the probate or surrogate court in the jurisdiction that is local to you will supervise the … [Read more...] about Your Probate Attorney & Your Estate
Poll Finds Public Opposes Social Security Cuts
One of the topics that has dominated the political dialogue over the last several months is the federal budget deficit. There has been talk of cuts to programs that retirees count on to one degree or another such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Since the average monthly Social Security benefit in 2010 was $1,072 according to the Social Security Administration, you are clearly going to have to feather your own nest if you want to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Yet, when … [Read more...] about Poll Finds Public Opposes Social Security Cuts
