Most students start their first year of college at the age of 18. This means that when your child packs up and moves to their college campus, they are legal adults. Parents of adult children attending college may not legally make decisions for their child. If you get a call that something has happened to your child and they are currently in the … [Read more...]
Supreme Court Decision Has no Changes for Civil Union Couples
The recent United States Supreme Court decision in the case of United States v. Windsor effectively ends marriage discrimination on the federal level. It equals the playing field between legally married same sex couples and their traditional counterparts. This decision fully recognizes same sex marriages in the states where they are currently … [Read more...]
Understanding the Durable Power of Attorney
In estate planning, the durable power of attorney is extremely important for a number of reasons. It allows you to decide who will step up to the plate and carry out your financial decisions and affairs should you become incapacitated. Needless to say, when deciding who to appoint as a Power of Attorney, it’s a powerful role you’re filling and your … [Read more...]
Caring for Your Minor Children
If you have minor children, consideration must be made for their care in any prudent estate plan. If you are survived by the child’s other parent, this parent will normally take custody upon your death. If they have predeceased you, or extenuating circumstances exist, another guardian should be listed in their place. When you are selecting an … [Read more...]
Why Is Your Estate Planning Attorney So Important?
In today’s digital age, legal forms can be found in the click of a few buttons and downloaded for a relatively small fee. As a result, people often think that there is no real need to retain the services of an attorney for many legal matters. While this may be true in some cases, when it comes to estate planning, nothing could be farther from the … [Read more...]
If You Become Incapacitated, Who Will Manage Your Money?
You may not want to focus on the possibility of your own incapacity, but you should take the time to do so. In the event that you do become incapacitated, either as a result of the natural process of aging or because of a sudden illness or accident, someone will need to manage your money. Will it be someone who you want managing your money? That … [Read more...]
Blended Families and Joint Accounts for Estate Planning Purposes
Divorce and remarriage in America is a common occurrence these days. If you are planning to be remarried in the near future, and have assets and/or children from a previous relationship that will be part of your new blended family, then you have likely given a considerable amount of thought to how to create a harmonious blended family. The issue of … [Read more...]
What is Legacy Planning?
Your legacy is what you leave behind when you die. Although the wealth you have accumulated during your lifetime is certainly part of your legacy, your legacy may encompass more than simply your accumulated wealth. Your ideals and principles are also part of your legacy. If you fail to create a legacy plan while you are still here to do so then you … [Read more...]
Estate Problems As A Result of Over-Funding Your Retirement Plan
You have likely heard how important it is to save for your retirement since you starting working. Likewise, you probably starting stashing as much money as possible as soon as your started working. There is certainly no debate that saving for your retirement is essential; however, if you end up significantly over-funding your retirement you can run … [Read more...]
Estate Planning and Charitable Giving — Key Points
If philanthropy is an important part of your life, then you should consider making it an important part of your estate plan as well. Your estate plan allows you to provide for your family and loved ones in the event of your death. That same plan can allow you to provide for the causes that are important to you long after your death as well. Only a … [Read more...]
