While speaking to clients regarding their estate plan, the topic of conversation often shifts to … “I wonder if my parents have done any planning?” As we get further into the discussion of expenses – the cost of funerals, burials, cremation, estate administration, etc., I regularly hear … “I am concerned about my parents’ financial […]
Our good fortune has continued with expanded growth in the markets. This is typical of an election year and if history is any indication, there should be more of this to come. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up over 13,000 and the NASDAQ Composite has reached a new high as well (much of this […]
Since I am an estate planning attorney, clients, family, friends, and even strangers, often ask about what happens to any debt they may have at their deaths. Most often, people are concerned about whether loved ones will “inherit” debt. The short answer is that your estate is responsible for paying off the balance of any […]
Selection of the appropriate trustee is often an emotional decision. While many grantors may feel that naming someone outside the family to act as trustee may be seen as a “vote of no confidence” for their family, they should instead view that decision as both loving and prudent. Simply put, when a grantor names a […]
I knew it was coming. The dreaded question: “Can I use a will-maker software program rather than have an attorney draft my estate plan?” My explanation of the risks and pitfalls does not always satisfy the friend or family member inquiring about why they cannot use the cheaper option for their extremely simple estate plan. […]