The passing of a spouse is not only a very emotional challenge but can be financially difficult as well. It is common for one spouse to handle family tax and estate plans, and a widow(er) may be looking at a…
A client asked us this interesting question: After my brother died, he left money in a revocable trust for my children – but they could only get that money if they spent it on a trip to Tanzania to visit…
A trust is set up to manage a person’s assets and property, and this trust is overseen by an appointed person. The person or entity who manages the trust is known as the “trustee” and is entrusted with the responsibility…
About 50% of Americans do not currently have a will. While a will is a necessary document that every person who owns assets should have, it is still a relatively simple document that may not cover everything you want it…
When a family member has passed, the family sometimes ends up arguing over personal property. Arguments can take place over things like a coffee mug, a piece of jewelry, or a painting. These types of arguments can be eliminated by…
Imagine a pair of aging parents that have been farmers and own their farm. Now, though, they’re getting on in years and they’re considering moving into a smaller place. One of the daughters and her husband help run the farm,…
Targeted attacks on vulnerable older people to exert what attorneys deem "undue influence" constitutes elder abuse. It disrupts the older persons' impulse to provide for loved ones and instead leaves assets to the manipulator. Often, family members do not find…
Senior citizens are using their retirement sparingly, even though the US economy has experienced over 10 years of economic growth. Bloomberg.com is reporting many retirees, and near-retirees are sitting on their wealth in much the same way large corporations are…
Death and how it will come to you is one of the most difficult questions you could think about. Yet, if we want our dying to be meaningful and merciful, it is imperative that we think about it while we…
As attorneys, we find people asking us why they can’t just download a will from the internet, add the children to their bank account and do a transfer-on-death land deed, for an estate plan. It’s just not a good idea.…