The Fall of DOMA = The Rise of Confusion
The Supreme Court recently struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a 1996 federal law that defined “marriage,” for purposes of more than a thousand federal laws, as limited to a union between a man and a woman. Now, same-sex couples that are legally married will be entitled to the same treatment under […]
How to Preserve the Vacation Home for Your Family
Estate planning is about more than passing on assets, it is about passing on a legacy, and a way of life. As a recent article explains, one way parents can pass on their way of life is to preserve the family vacation home for their children. There are two common concerns parents face when determining […]
The Five Benefits of a Revocable Trust
Trusts are an important part of estate plans large and small. Unlike a will, a trust allows a person to manage and distribute assets in life, as well as in death. A recent article discusses why everyone needs a revocable living trust, and what the benefits of these trusts are. 1. Probate Avoidance Many people […]
Three Ways to Plan for Your Collection
Many people spend countless hours and dollars building up various collections. Although these collections often have significant sentimental and monetary value, the owners often forget to include the collection within their estate plans. A recent article discusses three ways that you can plan for your collection. Sell the Collection This is obviously the most difficult […]
How Should I Update My Will
Most people realize that an estate plan should be revised and updated throughout the various stages of a person’s life. A recent article discusses what changes should be made based on different changes in a person’s circumstances. Your Financial Status Has Changed If your income or property has increased or decreased dramatically, your estate plan […]
Estate Planning for “Non-Traditional” Families
As a recent article explains, “the definition of a traditional nuclear family has been stretched considerably in the last quarter century.” Now more than ever, it is important for individuals to take the time to sit down and create an estate plan that fits his or her unique needs. Blended Families Blended families are families […]
Estate Planning When Living With a Parent
It is not at all uncommon for a parent to have an adult child live with him or her. This typically occurs for one of two reasons. Either the child is acting as a caregiver for the parent, or the child is unable or unwilling to begin living on his own. No matter the reason […]
Providing For Your Family Through Trust Bank Accounts
The key purpose of estate planning is to ensure the financial security of your family after your death. As a recent article explains, one way to ensure the financial security of your family is through establishing a trust bank account. Many bank accounts are well suited for trusts, these accounts offer multiple benefits: Trust assets […]
Charitable Estate Planning
After one spouse dies, the surviving spouse often chooses to leave the entirety of his or her estate to his or her surviving children. Although this is the most common arrangement, it is certainly not the only option for post-death distribution of assets. In drafting an estate plan, a person can leave his or her […]
Tend to Your Estate Plan with a Green Thumb
Gardens are a form of autobiography. ~Sydney Eddison, Horticulture magazine, August/September 1993 Spring is a wonderful time to start planting flower and vegetable gardens. It is fun to create your space and determine where each plant will grow. You have to prepare the ground of course: sometimes fertilize, rake, bring in some new top soil. […]