The Lesson Behind Estate Planning We Must Not Forget

Estate Planning, Trust, Wills

I write these columns primarily to encourage people to prepare their estate plan before it is too late.  Without preparation, many families must deal with terribly difficult situations that could have been avoided.  Proper planning means more than simply listing what...

Are you Prepared to Step In?

Estate Planning, Trust, Wills

I read an article published in the Wall Street Journal® titled “The Difficult, Delicate Untangling of Our Parents’ Lives.”   The author and his wife were in their 50s and dealing with the challenges of parents too incapacitated to handle their own affairs. ...

What Will Your Estate Plan Accomplish for Your Family?

Estate Planning, Trust

For those who attend my presentations, I offer a free, no obligation estate planning audit. There are three reasons for the audit. First, we discuss the issues/questions important to that person or couple. Second, we discuss what is accomplished with their current...

Can I Stay in the House?

Asset Protection, Trust, Wills

Without preparation, the passing of a loved one can result in difficult and unexpected challenges.  In recent columns, I have addressed this point with the example of a second marriage in which the husband moved into the house already owned by his new spouse.  Upon...

Do I Need a Will or a Trust?

Estate Planning, Trust, Wills

Most people understand the basic purpose of a Will. It is the document that describes who will receive their assets when they die. A Will may be sufficient for the estate of many people. However, in many cases, a Will may not be sufficient to address specific needs or...

Do You Need a Trust?

Estate Planning, Trust

Before addressing (in future columns) 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...