The People You Leave Behind

Estate Planning

I recall meeting with a client whose husband had suddenly and unexpectedly passed.  Of course, she was grieving; but she was also frightened about her future.  She had no idea what to do next when it came to “legal things.”  She did know that she did not want her...

Are You Prepared for the Threats to Your Estate?

Asset Protection, Estate Planning

A trust is a very effective way to maintain control over your assets, even after your passing.  Although a will can ensure your assets go to the people you want to receive them, a trust can help ensure those assets are protected from unintended results or misuse.  In...

Do You Need A Trust for Your Estate Plan?

Estate Planning, Trust

There are many situations in which a trust is useful.   For example, if you wish to avoid probate, a trust is very effective.  This is especially true if you own property in two different states. Probate is the process to ensure that property owned by a deceased...

Do You Need a Trust?

Estate Planning, Trust

Before addressing (in future posts) the reasons a trust can be extremely helpful, it may be helpful to know some reasons that people are told they should have a trust . . . but which may not be true. People are sometimes told to have a trust to avoid probate. Most...

Don’t Take This Risk

Estate Planning, Wills

Every adult should have a Will, especially upon becoming a parent. If you have children that are not of adult age, a Will is that much more important. It is the document that allows you to name who you choose to serve as guardian should you pass away first. Some...

Should I Use a Form for my Will or Trust?

Estate Planning

An effective estate plan should be as simple as possible, so long as it carries out your wishes. However, some want you to believe that you need only purchase their “form” to have an effective estate plan. Using this form, you are told, will save you money and —...