Talking about estate planning is a difficult, emotional topic but it’s essential for every family. Unless you’re certain your parents have an up-to-date will and a wider plan for what should happen in the event of their passing, you shouldn’t assume everything will be taken care of. According to a 2021 survey, less than half…
P – R – I – V – A – C – Y The legal case for the Estate of Aretha Franklin ended yesterday with a finding that her hand-written 2014 Will that was found under a couch cushion is her valid Will. According to her long-time attorney, Aretha Franklin was too private to rely…
Have your made your list of New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 yet? Whether you started your list or not, let me help you with some inspiration – Estate Planning! Now hear me out… At the end of every year, we seem to think that “next year will be my year” – the year everything falls…
If you think estate planning is just for the old and wealthy, you are way off. Estate Planning in your 20s and 30s will build the foundation you need. Be confident that your assets are safe, your healthcare will be managed, and that your children’s future is secure. I’m honestly embarrassed to say that I…
Clients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that having a Last Will and Testament does not negate the need for probate. And they are sometimes annoyed when they learn that even though they are named as the Executor in a Will, that alone does not give them authority to access the decedent’s assets. Yet both of these statements are true.
Most couples have what I call “I Love You” Wills, which state that all of their assets pass to the surviving spouse. Moreover, many couples own all of their assets jointly, so the assets pass to the surviving joint owner even without a Will. This is usually the outcome that couples want, but there are…
