What is estate planning? Do you think it is only for the rich? One of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones is an organized estate. The time that you spend now will help your loved ones cope later, and ensure your wishes are carried out. An estate is all the rights, titles […]
Read More »Mediation and Discussing Issues in Elder Law
There is no debating that the American population is aging at a rapid pace. In fact, by the year 2030, it is estimated that 19 percent of America’s population will be over the age of 65. With an aging populace, our country has seen an emerging need for qualified professionals to deal with the problems […]
Read More »Estate Planning Lessons from Hollywood
Celebrities seem to live a charmed life, but for all the advice they can buy, they’re still not immune to estate planning issues and the consequences of ignorance and bad planning. Several recent celebrity estate issues in the news highlight how important it is to plan ahead and get professional advice when setting up your […]
Read More »Keep Up Financially with the Changing Seasons
As the summer comes to an end and we head into the fall, a parallel can be drawn between the seasons of weather and the seasons of money. Just as you have spring, summer, fall and winter, there are four financial seasons of life that include accumulation, preservation, distribution and succession. Approaching your finances with […]
Read More »Estate Planning Is No Saturday Morning Project!
Americans, by and large, are do-it-yourselfers. Information abounds to help us tackle all kinds of situations — including estate planning. However, it might be best to use caution when considering preparing your own will and other estate planning documents.
Read More »Wills vs. Trusts: A Quick & Simple Reference Guide
Confused about the differences between wills and trusts? If so, you’re not alone. While it’s always wise to contact experts like us, it’s also important to understand the basics. Here’s a quick and simple reference guide:
Read More »The Advisory Team Approach to Estate Planning
Estate planning is not simply the documents prepared by an attorney, nor is it the insurance and financial plan recommended by a financial advisor. Properly done, estate planning encompasses at least the legal and financial elements, but it may include more, as estate planning often points out the need to plan in other areas.
Read More »Caution: Writing Your Own Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Unintended Consequences
One common way to avoid probate of real estate after the owner dies is to hold the title to the property in joint names with rights of survivorship with children or other beneficiaries. This is accomplished by adding the names of the children and certain legal terms to a new deed for the property and […]
Read More »Skyrocketing Probate Fees – Another Reason to Avoid Probate Court
As of July 1, 2015, Connecticut probate courts earned the dubious distinction of charging the highest probate fees in the U.S. Amazingly, the Connecticut legislature voted to completely cut general fund support for the state’s probate courts for the next two fiscal years, thereby creating a $32 million deficit. In order to cover the shortfall, […]
Read More »Which Type of Trust is Right for Me?
Trusts can be a great way to update an estate plan, whether within a will or as a separate estate-planning tool. Trusts have a reputation for being something that most people don’t have to worry about, with most seeing a trust as a vehicle for the ultra-rich to protect their assets from taxes and other […]
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