We all do it. Procrastinate. How many times do we start to-do lists, then forget about them? Sometimes it just seems easier to make excuses than to act. Excuse-making is pretty common when it comes time to think about estate planning. Talking about death is not a comfortable thing, but it IS important to your…
Sometimes It Seems Like Celebrities Have It All The world is their oyster. They’ve got money, possessions, fame, and high-paid advisers. Yet, they still make mistakes. Take acclaimed actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman as an example. He died unexpectedly at age 46, leaving behind his long-time girlfriend, three children – and a tangled estate mess. Failed…
Many estate plans include at least one trust. They’re a common estate planning tool and, for some people, they provide solutions and benefits to common problems. Depending on your needs, there are typically three major benefits to using a living trust. Anatomy Of A Trust While there are different types of trusts, most trusts are…
At Some Point, The Owner Of A Family-owned Business May Need To Transfer Ownership Instead of selling the business outright to a stranger, it seems best to transfer it to the employees or to family members. Maybe they’ve been loyal, hardworking, and have a real grasp of what it takes to keep the business going:…
A new year is a time for reflection. Did our lives change last year? Will they be changing in the coming year? We often make resolutions to fix a problem in our lives or make our lives better, but how many of us follow through? One way to start the new year out right is…
Though we’ve just survived another season of giving filled with carols in the air and presents under the tree, it’s not too late to think about gifts. In fact, certain types of gifting can be useful as a powerful estate planning tool. Gift-giving and estate planning go together like eggnog and sugar cookies. What Does…
In the heat of summer, we don’t just protect ourselves with a ball cap or a little zinc oxide on our noses. No, we add extra layers of protection. We avoid dehydration by drinking more water. Too hot to go outside? Head inside for some deliciously cold AC. And sunscreen protects our skin from sunburns…
Judge Wapner of the television show The People’s Court often told people, “Get it in writing.” That idea – get it in writing – is so true in many situations, even when dealing with someone you love and trust. Estate planning has its fair share of horror stories where vague promises lead to a prolonged…
Business owners have special estate planning needs. After all, they’re not just handing down a pile of cash, the family homestead, and Grandma’s antique armoire. Their companies have customers, vendors, and employees that rely on the company’s continued operation. Even if the owner is incapacitated or passes away, orders must be fulfilled, vendors paid, and…
You have many options to consider when developing a great plan for how your property will be distributed after your death. Your attorney may suggest including certain provisions in your Will or creating and funding a trust. Another suggestion may be to use a deed to transfer property to your heirs. If you own real…