The Lesson Behind Estate Planning We Must Not Forget

Estate Planning, Trust, Wills

If you have ever wondered about estate planning and how you can take action now to prepare for the future you are in the right place. I write these columns primarily to encourage people to prepare their estate plan before it is too late.  Without preparation, many...

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. ...

Divorce and Your (or Your Child’s) Estate Plan

Deeds, Real Estate, Wills

Last article I addressed what would happen if your Will leaves everything to your spouse, but you later divorce and do not change the Will. Idaho law prohibits an ex-spouse from receiving assets just because he or she was named in a Will created prior to the divorce....

Your Best Intentions Will Not Be Enough

Estate Planning, Wills

I recall a few years ago when a client passed away. His assets were not insignificant. His passing was sudden, and left serious issues affecting his family and his estate.His health had begun to deteriorate, but he thought there was still time. Nevertheless, he was...

All Wills Are Not Created Equal(ly)

Estate Planning, Wills

It is hard to believe that it has been over five years since we lost the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. You may recall that a very public fight occurred over her estate. Ms. Franklin left a Will created in 2010. However, her family later discovered a 2014...

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 posts, 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 her...