Posts Tagged ‘Estate Planning’
Celebrity 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 Faux Pas
Estate planning is important. If you haven’t already considered an estate plan, there is no time like the present. When considering how to start this process, you should consider professional advice. Fields and Dennis has years of experience under its belt and can help you produce an estate plan that is secure, cares for all…
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 MoreStudy Says Stories are Most Valued Inheritance
In a 2012 survey by the Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, it was determined that family stories are more important to many than material inheritance. The American Legacies Pulse Study surveyed baby boomers (age 47-66) and elders (72+) and concluded that 86% of baby boomers and 74% of elders surveyed deemed their family’s…
Read MoreDisinheriting Someone Isn't Always Easy
The desire to disinherit someone from a will isn’t always as negative as it sounds. While most times individuals are disinherited out of anger or pride, it isn’t unheard of to desire one person to receive more or less of an estate due to financial and personal need. However, there are certain rules and guidelines to take into consideration…
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…
Read MoreThe "Rules of Retirement"
Retirement accounts are not what many people expected they would be in light of the global recession. What’s in them isn’t the only factor to consider, however; it’s important to understand who is entitled to your assets. According to New York State CPA, Ed Slott, retirement accounts and 401ks are “surrounded by a complex labyrinth…
Read MoreNational Estate Planning Awareness : Pass it On
Over the course of this blog I’ve advocated for immediate design of an estate plan under the advisement of an estate planning lawyer like me. As this is National Estate Planning Week, it’s only fitting that I should make another attempt at getting the word out to Fields and Dennis blog readers: please create an…
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