Archive: Estates and Trusts

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...

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,...

For many of our probate clients administering the post-death affairs of a loved one, the most vexing issue can be retitling or the disposition of a car.   What complicates the post-death disposition of a vehicle? Ownership of your car passes by title. Many couples only hold title to a vehicle in the name of...

Most probate and trust clients winding up the financial affairs of a deceased family member focus first and foremost on marshaling assets. Selling real estate, making claims on life insurance, inheriting retirement accounts—these are the transactions that are often on top of mind for our clients. As we near tax time, there is one other...