Trust
Estate Planning is for Everyone
A common planning misconception is that only those with vast assets need an estate plan. But, it is important to emphasize that estate planning is not just for the wealthy. For many, the word “estate” conjures up a Downton Abbey-like property and an overwhelming amount of zeros on your bank account balance, but estate planning is a must, regardless of your tax bracket. An estate plan concerns…
Read More5 Must-Have Estate Planning Documents
As the New Year progresses, there is no better time to start thinking about estate planning. To start your year off right, here is a checklist of the five must-have pieces to every solid estate plan. 1. Will This is the most obvious starting point of every estate plan – and, in fact, most people who have done some form of estate planning probably…
Read MoreHow Estate Taxes May Impact your Life Insurance Policy
In the process of estate planning, there are many things to consider. An estate planning attorney can be essential to formulating a sound plan that is best tailored to your individual situation and long-term legacy. Life insurance is a staple of many estate plans, but there is one factor that is often overlooked when people start thinking…
Read MoreEstate Planning Lessons from Tony Soprano
The tragic and untimely death of James Gandolfini shocked and saddened fans of the talented actor. And, since his will became public last month, there has been much commentary on the state of his affairs prior to his passing. The actor’s will exposes common estate planning problems that can easily occur with blended families. Gandolfini…
Read More"We are Family": Estate Planning for Adult Children Living at Home
With the state of the economy, the low unemployment rate for graduates, and the general cost of living, many children are continuing to live with their parents long after they turn eighteen. Having an adult child live with you can simultaneously be a benefit and a burden. Children at home can assist with the tasks…
Read MoreCelebrity Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
In an interesting article, Fox Business delved into the “Monumental Estate Planning Blunders of 5 Celebrities.” The piece looks at estate planning mistakes made from some well-known, now-deceased stars who’s estate ended up out of their hands. Leona Helmsley, widow of real estate tycoon Harry Helmsely, famously left a $12 million dollar trust to her dog, Trouble. Ultimately, this only served to cause trouble…
Read MoreEstate Planning and Second Marriages
If you are thinking about remarriage after a divorce, there is much to consider. Second marriages have become far more common in recent years, as divorce rates and life expectancy both increase. While pursuing a life with someone you love is an exciting endeavor, especially after the initial devastation that a divorce can cause, there…
Read MoreEstate Planning Lessons from Downton Abbey
A recent article from The Wall Street Journal offered “Money Lessons from Downton Abbey.” The popular British drama that takes place in the early 20th century recently ended its third season, but more important than providing entertainment, it can apparently offer valuable estate planning advice. While it is a period drama and work of fiction,…
Read MoreDon’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance: Estate Planning For Lottery Winners
It seems pulled from the pages of a mystery story, but you may have heard it in the headlines recently. What happens if you win the lottery but die mysteriously shortly after? Urooj Khan may have gotten lucky when he hit the jackpot for $1 million in the Illinois Lottery, but shortly after things took…
Read MoreDigital Media After Death
What happens if you want to pass on your incredible iTunes music library to a family member, like you would leave a stack of rare records or compact discs? You curated it, you whittled it down to the best, you paid for it, but is it yours to give? According to the Apple contract you…
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