BDBF News and Legal Updates

In the last few weeks, parents across the country have navigated an emotional and logistical whirlwind.  Sometimes tear-filled, often stressful, we’re talking about moving your kids into college. Parents almost always remember the dorm essentials – laptop, sheets, mini-fridge, storage cubes, desk lamp, whiteboard, and decorations. Often lost in the process is the realization that...

Much like students returning to the first day of school, standing up one-by-one, and telling tales of summer travel to classmates, BDBF attorneys present “how we spent our summer vacation”. Dan Shaivitz This summer my family took a trip to southern California and, as part of our tour of the Pacific coast, we visited San...

Estate planning clients often engage us along with their spouses. Even though each spouse signs their own will, they often coordinate their documents with one another after a major life event, such as a marriage, birth of a child, or emancipation of grown children.  These clients feel great relief as they leave their signing appointment. ...

As our clients age,  they increasingly rely upon the assistance of others for financial matters.  Our clients often want to formalize this relationship to ensure that the bank or retirement plan custodian will recognize the authority of a trusted friend or family member to give instructions.  When and how should clients consider taking this significant...

You’ve finally crossed that item off your household to-do list.  You’re going to meet with an attorney to discuss your estate planning.  What should you expect both before and after the consultation?   Before the Consultation — The Intake Questionnaire Prior to your consultation with the planning attorney, you should expect to complete the intake...

Estate planning documents are drafted to stand the test of time. That being said, estate planning documents should be reviewed at least every 2-3 years to see if updates are necessary. Here are the 5 things to consider when reviewing your existing documents and determining if updates are in order: 1) Your Children, Their Ages,...

Lawrence “Larry” Bulman, our friend, colleague, mentor, and partner, passed away on April 15, 2022, at the age of 83. Larry practiced law here at BDBF, the firm founded by his father, Joe Bulman, for several decades. Larry lived a long and full life, surrounded by friends, children, and grandchildren.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic...