As wedding season comes to a close, whether you're a newlywed or preparing to tie the knot, it's crucial to take the first legal step as a married couple: establishing an estate plan. While the excitement of a new marriage might not seem like the right time to consider potential incapacity and future mortality, crafting your estate plan should be a top priority on your post-nuptial checklist, offering your spouse the most valuable gift you can give. A lot changes once your marriage is official, but certain critical aspects, such as financial management preferences and medical decision-making, aren't automatically documented…Read More
You don't need to be a renowned producer or a household name to possess intellectual property. Whether you're a music creator, a business owner, a storyteller, or an inventor working in your garage, it's highly likely that you own intellectual property. Unfortunately, due to its intangible nature, intellectual property often goes overlooked when it comes to estate planning. However, it's crucial to recognize that if you do possess intellectual property, it holds both sentimental and potentially significant monetary value, not only for you but also for your loved ones. Failing to include these valuable assets in your estate plan could…Read More
In the initial installment of our series, we delved into two prevalent scams preying on older adults this year: the grandparent scam and cryptocurrency pickpocketing. In this week's blog, we're shedding light on two additional scams that demand your attention and vigilance. Plus, we'll provide you with invaluable tips for safeguarding yourself and your loved ones. Let's dive right in. Personalized Phishing Emails: A Deceptive Threat Picture this scenario: you open your email, and there, in your inbox, is an urgent message seemingly from a reputable source—your bank, a renowned online retailer, or even a social media platform. The email…Read More
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, fraudsters are capitalizing on advancing tools and technology to exploit victims, particularly seniors. Defend your elderly parents and yourself against these con artists by educating yourself about their tactics. Equip your loved ones with the information they need to safeguard their emotions and assets. In this two-part series, we'll delve into four of the latest financial scams, shedding light on their strategies and providing actionable steps to shield your parents from potential harm. The Grandparent Scam: Protecting Emotional and Financial Well-being Scammers prey on victims' emotional and mental vulnerabilities, using urgency, alarm, or guilt to…Read More
In today's fast-paced world, the demand for affordable legal services is more crucial than ever. While group legal insurance offered through workplace benefits seems convenient, it often falls short when it comes to creating a robust estate plan. Don't risk leaving your family with a messy situation. Explore why a heart-centered, counseling-oriented approach is essential for proper estate planning. Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Standard plans provided by group legal insurance lack the customization required to meet your family's specific dynamics and asset nature. To ensure your plan truly works when needed, a…Read More
As summer draws to a close and the buzz of back-to-school preparations fills the air, there's a crucial responsibility that often goes unnoticed: appointing legal guardians for your minor children. These guardians step in to care for your kids if you're unable to do so yourself, offering vital protection and support. Amid the hustle of back-to-school shopping and bidding farewell to the summer season, designating legal guardians might appear less urgent. However, this perception couldn't be farther from reality. With children spending a significant portion of their day under the care of teachers, coaches, and babysitters during the school year,…Read More
Your estate plan is a vital shield, safeguarding your family and assets, both now and in the future. However, estate planning is not a one-and-done task; it must adapt and evolve to match the shifts in your life. As your dedicated Personal Family Lawyer®, my commitment is to stand by your side through every twist and turn, guaranteeing your estate plan's continued relevance and efficacy. I offer a complimentary estate plan review every three years and welcome your inquiries about any life changes that could impact your plan before then. Whether you're ready to forge a new estate plan or…Read More
Defining the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program: The Medicaid estate recovery program is a federally mandated initiative aimed at recovering assets from certain individuals who have received specific Medicaid benefits after their death. However, the program's details and scope can vary from state to state, making it important to understand how it operates in your region. Each state has the flexibility to implement its own Medicaid estate recovery program, resulting in variations in its procedures and rules. The overarching purpose of the program remains consistent: to discourage people from obtaining benefits they may need. Assets Subject to Recovery: The assets subject…Read More
Ensure your family's protection by keeping your estate plan current. Discover 10 life events that may necessitate an update to your will or trust, and learn how to avoid potential complications in the future. Have you ever wondered if creating a Will or Trust provides perpetual protection for your family and assets? Many people assume so, as it's a common approach among lawyers. However, overlooking necessary updates can leave your loved ones with significant challenges when the unexpected occurs. This article highlights ten life events that can impact your estate plan and offers insights on how to ensure it remains…Read More
You’ve probably heard about the national debt ceiling and its recent extension, but you might wonder what it has to do with your everyday life as a family. While it may seem like a distant matter, the national debt ceiling extension can have a significant impact on your family's financial well-being and future planning. So, what exactly is the national debt ceiling extension? The national debt ceiling is a legal limit set on the amount of money the government can borrow to finance its operations and meet its financial obligations domestically and around the globe. When the government reaches this…Read More
