What Happens To Your Social Media Account When You Die?
April 23, 2024
When you die, what happens to your online life? Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing ...
Read MoreWhen you die, what happens to your online life? Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing ...
Read MoreThere is no shortage of advice flying around about estate planning, much of it from people who aren't even lawyers. Get insight on the popular pitfalls and how emerging economic shifts like cryptocurrency can affect your plan.
When you die, what happens to your online life? Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing ...
When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, (kinda feels like Christmas...
In an era where digital innovation shapes every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that our teenagers ...
If you’ve been traveling around the sun for a while, you’ve no doubt heard of a Will, a document that say...
Anyone who’s seen an episode of “Modern Family” knows that families these days come in many different sha...
After the excitement of Valentine's Day fades away and the last indulgence of chocolate is savored, it's ...
Today, we're diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial: estate planning for your parents. As they gr...
Last week we explored 7 ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged f...
Ah, February – the month of love, where hearts flutter and chocolates abound (single people, stay with me...
As parents, we're hardwired to prioritize our children's well-being above all else. We work tirelessly to...
Navigating your financial journey with the heavy burden of student loan debt on your back can feel overwh...
Love is undoubtedly the most profound and cherished thread that weaves us all together, and there are man...
If you’ve given any thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. Bu...
A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan is about creating a strategy that lets you enjoy your life to the ...
Want to contribute to your grandchild’s future college education? The FAFSA Simplification Act, which wen...
As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, one commitment should...
Trying to find the right lawyer to help with your estate planning can often feel like navigating uncharte...
Last week, we started our discussion on estate planning for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis and wha...
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenge that millions of families undertake each year. As a c...
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both com...
In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act, bringing significant changes to the world of retire...
QUESTION Q: I want to keep things simple. Can I leave my 401K to my kids and our house to my wife? — Clea...
Business ownership is a fulfilling and exciting endeavor, but it also comes with rules, responsibilities,...
If you’re part of a blended family (meaning you are married with children from a prior marriage in the mi...
The holidays are right around the corner, which means more time to gather with family and relatives than ...
Soon after the challenges of puberty and the excitement of high school, an even larger milestone looms: t...
QUESTION Q: My mother has a hard time hearing her doctor on the phone. How can I help? – Caring Daughter ...
As a parent, your top priority is the well-being and future of your children. You plan for their educatio...
Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023, from adjusting your tax ...
It might seem a bit early to think about your 2023 taxes, but as the year draws to a close, it's the perf...
Getting married and starting a new chapter in your life is an exciting time. It’s also a time that requir...
Wedding season is winding down, and if you are a newlywed or are planning to tie the knot soon, it’s time...
August is National Make-A-Will Month and you may have received an advertisement in your inbox or mailbox ...
Fraudsters and scam artists are nothing new, but changing tools and technology are making it easier than ...
QUESTION Q: My parents shut down when I try to talk about estate planning. How can I help them open up? –...
As the need for affordable legal services becomes even more important in today’s world, it's common to op...
As summer comes to a close, and back-to-school excitement fills the air, there is one crucial task that i...
You might think that estate planning is something you can complete one time and then check off your to-do...
Maybe you thought that creating a Will or Trust is something you can do once and then your family and ass...
You’ve probably heard about the national debt ceiling and its recent extension, but you might wonder what...
July is National Family Reunion Month and the perfect time to reconnect with family from near and far, sh...
Vacations are a time to relax, unwind, and create beautiful memories with your loved ones. But before you...
Get ready for an interesting twist in the world of legal and business news. You may already be familiar w...
Last week we started the discussion of why it’s so important for LGBTQ+ families to invest in custom esta...
June is a time of celebration and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community as Pride Month shines a spotlight o...
May is Senior Citizen’s Month, a time to reflect and appreciate all the things the seniors in our lives h...
If you are going to take investment and estate planning advice from anyone, Warren Buffett is likely one ...
When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most pe...
Blended families were once considered “non-traditional” families, but today, blended families are becomin...
Whether you’re turning on the news or scrolling through Instagram, it’s hard not to hear about AI technol...
If you’re a pet owner, you know the special bond that exists between you and your pets, and to many pet o...
Stephen Laurel Boss, also known as “tWitch,” was an American DJ, hip-hop dancer, choreographer, televisio...
If you’re tempted to use a DIY estate planning service or have already created a plan you aren’t 100% con...
I know discussing topics like death, incapacity, and other potentially frightening life events, with some...
Vacations can be the perfect opportunity to relax, disconnect from work and responsibilities, and enjoy y...
QUESTION Q: Can you explain how the administration of a will works? –Taking Care of Mom ANSWER A: Dear Ta...
As the world and its laws continue to evolve, everyone needs to keep their estate plans up to date. An es...
Making important decisions for aging parents can be a challenging task, but power of attorney (POA) can p...
As a parent, you are quite accustomed to managing your children's legal and medical affairs, as circumsta...
QUESTION Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die? –Pondering Parent ANSWER A: Dear Ponde...
If you have a current estate plan, I'll bet you plan to leave your assets to your children outright and u...
In most cases, from the most sophisticated business people with the highest net worth to those just start...
Like most people, you likely think estate planning is just one more task to check off your life’s endless...
Being asked by a loved one to serve as Trustee for their Trust upon their death can be quite an honor, bu...
QUESTION Q: Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state? –Curious Mover ANSWER A: Dear Curi...
Investing in life insurance is a foundational part of estate planning, and when done right it’s a primary...
You’ve probably heard you need a trust to keep your family out of court and maybe out of conflict in the ...
When it comes to estate planning and wills, you have a variety of options for legal documents. The most c...
What Happens To Your Debt When You Die? Maybe you’ve wondered about your own debt or perhaps your parent’...
If you are looking to create your last will and testament, or will, online, you’ll find dozens of website...
QUESTION Q: How do I include cryptocurrency in my estate plan? — Crypto Owner ANSWER A: Dear Crypto, If y...
This week, before the year ends, consider these 5 financial, retirement and tax actions you may need to t...
The environmental costs of death are significant and constantly rising. With 8 billion people on the plan...
Whether it’s called “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “The Silver Tsunami,” or some other catchy sounding name...
Although the end of the year can be a hectic time, it’s also the deadline for your family to implement a ...
QUESTION Q: What is the federal estate tax? — Tax Planner ANSWER A: Dear Planner, The federal estate tax ...
As you’ve surely heard by now, we’re in the midst of great economic shifts. The collapse of the crypto ma...
If you earn a good living now, but you worry about not having enough money for a future time when you can...
If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...
If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...
QUESTION Q: What estate planning should my child have in place once they reach adulthood? — Proactive Par...
If you have preferences about what happens to your digital footprint after your death, you need to take a...
People often come to us curious—or confused—about the role trusts play in saving on taxes. Given how freq...
This year, Estate Planning Awareness Week runs from October 17th to 23rd, and one of our primary goals is...
With the cost of a funeral averaging between $7,000 and $12,000 and steadily increasing each year, at the...
QUESTION Q: What is a pour-over will? — Prudent Planner ANSWER A: Dear Prudent, For a living trust to fun...
Actress Anne Heche died this August following a tragic car accident, leaving behind two young sons: Homer...
Actress Anne Heche died this August following a tragic car accident in which she plowed her vehicle into ...
Before we talk about how to choose the right Trustee, let’s talk about what a Trustee does and whether yo...
This August, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced...
If you have a sale of real estate or assets coming up that will result in you owing capital gains tax, yo...
Following the death of a loved one, close family members are sometimes surprised to learn that they didn’...
Q & A: QUESTION ______________________________________________________________________________ Q: Can...
August is “National Make-A-Will Month,” and if you have already prepared your will, congratulations—too f...
August is “National Make-A-Will Month,” and if you have already prepared your will, congratulations—too f...
If you have started to save for your child or grandchild’s college education, it’s worth considering whet...
If you have started to save for your child or grandchild’s college education, it’s worth considering whet...
Q & A: QUESTION ______________________________________________________________________________ Q: Wha...
You might think that only the super wealthy need to worry about asset protection planning. But the truth ...
Despite the fact that it happens to every single one of us and is as every bit as natural as birth, very ...
Despite the fact that it happens to every single one of us and is as every bit as natural as birth, very ...
With divorce occurring in roughly 50% of all marriages in the U.S. and life expectancy increasing every d...
If you're looking to collect life insurance proceeds as the policy’s beneficiary, the process is fairly s...
Q & A: QUESTION ______________________________________________________________________________ Q: Sho...
As we are about to wrap up another Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ community faces an increasingly uncertain lega...
These days, more and more young people are delaying—if not totally foregoing—a life that involves marriag...
If a family member or friend has asked you to serve as trustee for their trust either during their life, ...
When creating an estate plan, people are often most concerned with passing on the “big things” like real ...
As we head into summer, many parents will see their children graduate high school and prepare to leave ho...
Q & A: QUESTION Q: What is the IRS’s “Rule of 55” for 401(k) plans? -Ready to Retire ANSWER Dear Read...
The road to retirement is a long one, and as with any journey, it helps to have a few key milestones alon...
Because estate planning involves actively thinking about and planning for frightening topics like death, ...
Because estate planning involves actively thinking about and planning for frightening topics like death, ...
Q & A: QUESTION Q: What is “diminished financial capacity,” and why is it so dangerous for seniors? —...
When you think about loved ones who’ve passed away, you probably don’t think very much—or even at all—abo...
Whether it’s to qualify for Medicaid, avoid probate, or reduce your tax burden, transferring ownership of...
If you are a mom or dad with children under the age of 18 at home, your number-one estate planning priori...
In today’s highly litigious society you are at near-constant risk for costly lawsuits—even if you’ve done...
As a parent, you’re likely hoping to leave your children an inheritance. In fact, doing so may be one of ...
Although many strategies to save on your income taxes must be locked in before the end of the year, there...
Q & A: Q: How much can I write off on my 2021 income taxes for charitable donations if I don’t itemiz...
Unless you’ve created an estate plan that works to keep your family out of court, when you die (or become...
Unless you’ve created a proper estate plan, when you die many of your assets must first pass through the ...
Over just the last two years, we’ve seen historic levels of damage caused by natural disasters in the U.S...
Q & A: Q: How can I determine how much life insurance I should have? —Family Planner ANSWER A: Dear P...
Whether you’ve met with an estate planning lawyer before or it’s your first time, it’s important to under...
If you are running a business, it’s easy to give estate planning less priority than your other business m...
Life insurance is a key component of your family’s estate plan, offering those who depend on you for thei...
As we head into the third year of the pandemic, we are coming to terms with just how fragile our lives an...
Do a Google search for “digital wills” or “online estate planning,” and you’ll find dozens of different w...
Do a Google search for “digital wills” or “online estate planning,” and you’ll find dozens of different w...
No matter how well you think you know your loved ones, it’s impossible to predict exactly how they’ll beh...
When it comes to estate planning, most people automatically think about taking legal steps to ensure the ...
This article is part two of a two-part series on the benefits of putting your home in a trust. Part one o...
As you likely already know, but may not have given much thought about, the most important inheritance you...
If you are like many homeowners, your home is likely your family’s most valuable and treasured asset. In ...
NFTs, or “non-fungible tokens,” are the latest sensation in the cryptocurrency universe, or as we like to...
Q: How does buying or selling a business affect my estate plan? --Business Buyer ANSWER Dear Buyer: If yo...
Our nation’s population is aging at a faster rate than ever before, and collectively we are living much l...
When it comes to estate planning, you’ve most likely heard people mention a couple of different types of ...
The pandemic has caused Americans to change their behavior in a number of different ways, and one of the ...
Q: How does the Democrat’s newly proposed tax bill affect the federal estate and gift tax exclusion? -Con...
Even if you put a totally solid estate plan in place, it can turn out to be worthless for the people you ...
Yours, mine and ours … in today’s modern family, it’s oh so common. The blended family is the product of ...
When you hear the words, “trust fund,” do you conjure up images of stately mansions and party yachts? A t...
On September 13, 2021, Democrats in the House of Representatives released a new $3.5 trillion proposed sp...
On September 13, 2021, Democrats in the House of Representatives released a new $3.5 trillion proposed sp...
Q: How does the administration of a will work? -Family Planner ANSWER Dear Planner: In order for assets i...
As the host of the wildly popular The Joy of Painting TV series on PBS, Bob Ross became a pop-culture ico...
As the host of the wildly popular The Joy of Painting TV series on PBS, Bob Ross became a pop-culture ico...
If you are a single parent, life for you right now probably couldn’t get any busier. You are likely being...
You are likely well aware of the tax benefits that come from donating to charity during your lifetime—don...
Q: What is a pet trust, and how does it work? -Doggy Daddy ANSWER A: Dear Doggy, While it’s possible to n...
Wills and trusts are two of the most commonly used estate planning documents, and they form the foundatio...
Legendary hip hop artist DMX—born Earl Simmons—passed away on April 9 at age 50 after suffering a massive...
Legendary hip hop artist DMX—born Earl Simmons—passed away on April 9 at age 50 after suffering a massive...
It’s sad but true that many pets end up in shelters after their owner dies or becomes incapacitated. In f...
Q: How should I include my cryptocurrency in my estate plan? -Digital Planner ANSWER A: Dear Digital, Jus...
Recent advances in digital technology have made many aspects of our lives exponentially easier and more c...
Recent advances in digital technology have made many aspects of our lives exponentially easier and more c...
Since the age of 16, when she burst onto the charts with her debut single, “...Hit Me Baby One More Time,...
Since the age of 16, when she burst onto the charts with her debut single, “...Hit Me Baby One More Time,...
Estate planning is an obvious concern for all parents, but if you have a child with special needs, it’s c...
Q: Can I leave my 401(k) to my minor children when I die? -Pondering Parent ANSWER A: Dear Pondering, Tho...
Whether you are married or not, if you are involved in a committed partnership with another individual, e...
Whether you are married or in a committed partnership, estate planning is about much more than planning f...
When you are a kid, finding a suitable gift for Father’s Day can be a struggle. You want to get Dad somet...
With the arrival of summer, young people across the country are about to reach a key milestone: high scho...
Q: Should I leave money for my child with special needs in my will? – Prudent Parent ANSWER A: Dear Prude...
As we head into the peak of wedding season, if you are a newlywed or are about to tie the knot, add “esta...
As we head into the peak of wedding season, if you are a newlywed or are about to tie the knot, add “esta...
Nearly three years have passed since Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died from pancreatic ...
Although we initially planned to run part two of last week’s post on Aretha Franklin’s failed estate plan...
A last will and testament is the most commonly thought-of document when it comes to an estate plan. But r...
Q: How can I avoid being placed under the care of a professional guardian? —Senior Planner A: Dear Planne...
Nearly three years have passed since Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died from pancreatic ...
The Netflix movie I Care a Lot provides a dark, violent, and somewhat comedic take on the real life and n...
The Netflix movie I Care a Lot provides a dark, violent, and somewhat comedic take on the real life and n...
Signed into law on March 11th, President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) is ...
Signed into law on March 11th, President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) is ...
Q: What estate planning documents should my son, who just turned 18 and is planning to attend college in ...
2020 was a nightmarish year for many families. But thanks to recent legislation, you could see a silver l...
2020 was a nightmarish year for many families. But thanks to recent legislation, you could see a silver l...
Even though there are now vaccines for the pandemic and the number of new cases is on the decline, becomi...
Even though there are now vaccines for COVID-19 and the number of new cases is on the decline, becoming i...
Q: Do I need to create a new will if I move to another state? -Curious Mover A: Dear Curious: Most states...
Legendary TV and radio host, Larry King, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on January 23...
Legendary TV and radio host, Larry King, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on January 23...
If you use Facebook to share, track, and report on important life events, it can provide an intimate snap...
Within the past year, a combination of new legislation and the recent change of leadership in the White H...
Q: How can I obtain consent for my incapacitated mother to get a COVID-19 vaccination? -Concerned Daughte...
If you own a business, you almost certainly have intellectual property. However, because your intellectua...
Although you likely won’t need to have an entirely new estate plan prepared for you, upon relocating to a...
While the quarantines, shutdowns, and social distancing measures related to the pandemic have been diffic...
With people living longer than ever before, more and more seniors require long-term healthcare services i...
Last week in part one of this series, we discussed how Tony Hsieh became an Internet pioneer, starting tw...
Q: Can I serve as a trustee if I don’t have any legal experience? -Curious Cousin A: Dear Curious: Being ...
On November 27th, nine days after being pulled unconscious from a house fire in a beachfront home in New ...
With COVID-19 still raging, your 2020 holiday season may not feature the big family get-togethers of year...
Since you’ll be discussing topics like death, incapacity, and other frightening life events, hiring an es...
Since you’ll be discussing topics like death, incapacity, and other frightening life events, hiring an es...
Q: What is the best way to bring up estate planning with my family over the holidays? -Festive Father A: ...
Today, we’re seeing more and more people getting divorced in middle age and beyond. Indeed, the trend of ...
A will is one of the most basic estate planning tools. While relying solely on a will is rarely a suitabl...
Going through divorce can be an overwhelming experience that impacts nearly every facet of your life, inc...
Going through divorce can be an overwhelming experience that impacts nearly every facet of your life, inc...
November 6, 2020 is “National Love Your Lawyer Day,” which started in 2001 as a way to celebrate lawyers ...
Q: If Democrats sweep the election, what’s likely to happen to the increased gift and estate tax exemptio...
On October 15th, nearly two months after the death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, his wife, Tayl...
On October 15th, nearly two months after the death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, his wife, Tayl...
October 19th-25th, 2020 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, so if you've been thinking about crea...
No matter who you vote for on November 3rd, you may want to start considering the potential legal, financ...
No matter who you are voting for on November 3rd, you may want to start considering the potential legal, ...
Being asked by a loved one to serve as trustee for their trust upon their death can be quite an honor, bu...
Q: How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will? --Concerned family member A:...
Although you may have just filed your 2019 income taxes in July, now is the time to start thinking about ...
While estate planning is probably one of the last things your teenage kids are thinking about, given the ...
The days of working for a single employer for decades until you retire are over. Today, you are much more...
In response to a series of wildfires that ravaged Southern California in 2017, we wrote a previous articl...
Q: What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education? --Concerned Parent A: Dear Concerned: O...
A case on the Supreme Court’s docket for October could have a major impact on the parental rights of same...
Anyone who has seen the hit Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness can attest that i...
Anyone who has seen the hit Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness can attest that i...
Anyone who has seen the hit Netflix documentary Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness can attest that i...
Q: What Property Can I Put In My Living Trust? - Planning For the Future A: Dear Planning: A living trust...
If you are engaged to be married, divorce is probably the last thing you and your fiancé want to be think...
If you’re counting down the days to your wedding, divorce is probably the last thing you and your fiancé ...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the vital importance of having updated advance directives ...
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the country, doctors across the nation are joining lawyers i...
In January, we reported how the deaths of NBA legend Kobe Bryant (Kobe) and his 13-year-old daughter, Gia...
Q: How Long Does an Executor Have to Distribute Assets From a Will? - Watching and Waiting A: Dear Waitin...
If you have a blended family and do not plan for what happens to your assets in the event of your incapac...
Many people come to us curious (or confused) about trusts and taxes. So today’s article is going to sort ...
There’s nothing like a major change in the economic climate to make you rethink your day job. “Business a...
Maybe you, like many of us, have been raised to think that the safest way to live in the working world is...
Q: My dad recently passed and did not have a will, what should I do? - Feeling Lost A: Dear Lost: First, ...
With the risks still posed by COVID-19, we all need to face the possibility that we could get sick, even ...
The pandemic is causing us to consider a lot of things that we may not have before, even if maybe we shou...
If you’re a parent, you may feel even more guilty than usual. If so, you are definitely not alone. Curren...
Wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, and legal guardian nominations are on many of ...
In a previous article, we shared steps to understanding your parents’ estate planning and the nature of t...
Q: What’s the difference between a Living Will and a Medical POA? - Thinking Ahead A: Dear Thinking: A Li...
If you or your parents have a retirement account, (or any investment accounts for that matter) now is the...
With all of the media about “digital wills” and “online estate planning” it could be tempting to think yo...
Right now, huge numbers of people are coming face to face with their own mortality, and realizing they ne...
It’s the beginning of the month, and bills are coming due. If you are stressed out, it’s important that y...
Q: I want my child to own my house when I die. Should I just transfer it now? - Pondering Parent A: Dear,...
As you already know, the COVID-19 pandemic means nothing is business as usual. Many states have implement...
There’s no doubt that your parents have survived frightening world events, whether that was World War II,...
Do your parents have an estate plan? Is it up to date? No matter how rich or poor you or your parents are...
In my previous article, I talked about what to take into consideration when you’re planning for your pet’...
Q: Could I face eviction due to an out of date Will? -Renting Beneficiary A: Dear, Renting: It’s critical...
While it’s still hard to tell how the Coronavirus will impact us in the long term, it’s become a subject ...
If you have pets, my guess is that you love them as much as you do your children, but I’m also guessing t...
In many families, money still is not a typical dinner table discussion, but we think it should be. Surpri...
A last will and testament can ensure your wishes are respected when you die. But if your will isn’t legal...
Q: Under what circumstances can my will be contested? -Will Creator A: Dear Will: Anyone can contest a wi...
As you no doubt already know, on January 26, 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopt...
Both wills and trusts are estate planning documents that can be used to pass your wealth and property to ...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the potential ramifications the SECURE ACT has for your es...
On January 1, 2020, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) went into ...
The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) made sweeping changes to exemptions, deductions, and credits for your ...
Q: How often should I update my estate plan? -Prudent planner A: Dear Prudent: This question highlights a...
Investing in life insurance is a foundational part of estate planning. However, when naming your policy’s...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the early warning signs of diminished financial capacity i...
With more and more Baby Boomers reaching retirement age each year, our country is undergoing an unprecede...
Although digital technology has made many aspects of our lives much easier and more convenient, it has al...
Q: Do I need additional life insurance if I already have a policy through my employer? -Insurance Enquiry...
As we head into the peak of the holiday season, you’re likely spending more time than usual surrounded by...
Watching your kids leave home to attend college or start their career can be an emotional time for you as...
Last week, we shared the first part of this series on the dangers of do-it-yourself estate planning. Here...
Do a Google search for “online estate planning documents,” and you’ll find dozens of different websites. ...
Q: Can I use estate planning to provide for my pet’s care after my death? -Dog Lover A: Dear Lover: Yes, ...
As we head towards the end of the year, we’re fast approaching the deadline to implement your family’s ta...
In the first part of this series, we discussed a unique planning tool known as a Lifetime Asset Protectio...
As a parent, you’re likely hoping to leave your children an inheritance. In fact, doing so may be one of ...
Following the death of the policy holder, the way in which proceeds from a life insurance policy are paid...
In the aftermath of rapper Nipsey Hussle’s murder this March, his family and ex-girlfriend have been lock...
Q: What does an executor do? -Will writer A: Dear Will: An executor is the person named in your will to a...
With societal attitudes about love, marriage, and parenting constantly evolving, our perception of what c...
When you think about those loved ones who’ve passed away, you probably don’t think very much—or even at a...
In the first part of this series, we discussed how some professional adult guardians have used their powe...
Elder abuse can take a wide variety of forms, but we think the worst of the worst is caused by unscrupulo...
Q: What does “funding” a trust mean? -Curious planner A: Dear Curious: For a living trust to function pro...
Now that same-gender couples can legally marry in all 50 states, more Americans than ever before are enjo...
These days, lots of people consider their pets to be members of their family. Indeed, pets can become our...
Whether it’s called “The Great Wealth Transfer,” “The Silver Tsunami,” or some other catchy-sounding name...
If you were to suddenly die today, would your loved ones know how to quickly find your estate planning do...
This is the fourth in an ongoing series of NLBM articles discussing the true costs and consequences of fa...
Q: If I die with no estate plan at all, what happens to my property? -No Plan Stan A: Dear Stan: If you d...
This is the third in an ongoing series of NLBM articles discussing the true costs and consequences of fai...
Last week, we discussed the benefits of a unique estate planning vehicle known as Lifetime Asset Protecti...
When you create your estate plan, the idea that one of your adult children would ever use their inheritan...
In a recent Facebook post “Processes to go through with your parents before they die,” Daniel Schmachtenb...
Q: Can I change my estate plan while my divorce is still ongoing? -Speculative spouse A: Dear Speculative...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the dangers of reverse mortgages for senior homeowners. He...
If you’ve watched TV lately, you’ve likely seen ads touting the benefits of reverse mortgages. The spots ...
This is the second in an ongoing series of NLBM articles discussing the true costs and consequences of fa...
In the first part of this series, we discussed one of the most frequent causes for dispute over your esta...
Q: Are non-biological parents in a same-gender marriage automatically granted legal parental rights? -Pon...
No matter how well you think you know your loved ones, it’s impossible to predict exactly how they’ll beh...
This week Tom Petty’s daughters escalated the battle over their late father’s estate by filing a lawsuit ...
While most people assume only the uber wealthy need to worry about asset protection, those with less weal...
Nobody likes to admit they’ve fallen for a financial scam, but the fact is, it’s easier than ever to get ...
This is the first in an ongoing series of NLBM articles discussing the true costs and consequences of fai...
Q: My husband and I are expecting our first child in 7 months. What should be our top priority in terms o...
In the first part of this series, we discussed a couple of the most critical updates you must make to you...
Divorce can be traumatic for the whole family. Even if the process is amicable, it involves many tough de...
Going on vacation entails lots of planning: packing luggage, buying plane tickets, making hotel reservati...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the first three of six questions you should ask yourself w...
Q: Could my family benefit from a dynasty trust? -Frugal Father A: Dear Frugal: A dynasty trust is a spec...
Selecting a beneficiary for your life insurance policy sounds pretty straightforward. You’re just decidin...
Being asked by a family member or close friend to serve as trustee for their trust upon their death can b...
In late February, Luke Perry, who became famous starring in the 1990s TV series Beverly Hills 90210, suff...
Like many taxpayers, if you’ve already filed your federal income taxes for 2018, you may be surprised to ...
Q: Can a spendthrift trust protect my child’s inheritance? -Concerned Dad A: Dear Concerned: Yes, a so-ca...
Even if you put a totally solid estate plan in place, it can end up proving worthless if it’s not properl...
Unlike most of your assets, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) do not pass to your family through a wi...
The recent death of the CEO of QuadrigaCX, a major cryptocurrency exchange in Canada, demonstrates a basi...
In the first part of this series, we discussed how today’s children are increasingly influenced more by t...
Q: Can I disinherit my husband with estate planning to ensure my adult children will inherit all of my as...
Have you ever felt that the unbreakable bond you once had with your children is seriously eroding? It can...
Imagine this… You are an elderly grandparent who lives alone. You get a call in the middle of the night f...
With the cost of a funeral averaging $7,000 and steadily increasing each year, every estate plan should i...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the estate planning tools all unmarried couples should hav...
Estate planning is often considered something you only need to worry about once you get married. But the ...
Q: What is a charitable remainder trust? -Curious Dear Curious: A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a u...
If you’re an animal lover and have a pet of your own, you likely consider your pet to be a member of the ...
With the holiday season here, you’re probably spending lots of time with your family and friends. During ...
It’s common for families of those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia to realize that at some po...
It’s the middle of the night. The authorities just notified you that you have 20 minutes to evacuate your...
Q: My father wants to quitclaim deed his house to me before he dies, rather than include it in his will. ...
From wildfires in California and hurricanes in Texas to floods in West Virginia, hardly any area of the U...
In the first part of this series, we discussed the importance of including your digital assets in your es...
If you’ve created an estate plan, it likely includes traditional wealth and assets like finances, real es...
While some of those TV commercials for free credit-score report companies are pretty funny, having errors...
In the weeks before her death from ovarian cancer, author Amy Krouse Rosenthal gave her husband Jason one...
Q: My uncle died, and I think he had a will, but I’m not sure. How can I find out? -Will Wondering A: Dea...
Retirement planning is one of life’s most important financial goals. Indeed, funding retirement is one of...
Last week, we shared the first part of this series discussing the hidden dangers of do-it-yourself estate...
Go online, and you’ll find tons of websites offering do-it-yourself estate planning documents. Such forms...
Want to know a proven way to live a more fulfilling life? All you have to do is fully accept the fact tha...
Q: I’m looking to buy insurance to protect my family. Should I purchase an accidental death and dismember...
You might not be a big fan of their typical life choices, but the Kardashians recently demonstrated impre...
It’s no secret that we live in a litigious society. And though our right to a fair trial is one of the ha...
If you’re active on social media, Facebook probably plays a prominent role in your life. And now the soci...
With the cost of long-term care (LTC) skyrocketing, you may be concerned about your (or your elderly pare...
Q: I have financial power of attorney for my mother. Can I be paid for managing her finances? -Billing Mo...
Aretha Franklin, heralded as the “Queen of Soul,” died from pancreatic cancer at age 76 on August 16th at...
Last week, we shared the first part of this series, discussing some of the key steps for conscious co-par...
Committing to a conscious divorce means protecting your children from end-of-marriage related trauma. Whe...
Some people assume that because they’ve named a specific heir as the beneficiary of their IRA in their wi...
It’s back-to-school time again, and when it comes to estate planning you may have homework to do. As a pa...
Q: Who should I name as executor of my will? -Pondering probate A: Dear Pondering: Selecting the right ex...
Unlike many estate assets, if you’re looking to collect the proceeds of a life insurance policy, the proc...
Last week, we shared the first part of this series explaining the powers and duties that come with servin...
If a friend or family member has asked you to serve as trustee for their trust upon their death, you shou...
If you have highly appreciated assets like stock and real estate you want to sell, it may make sense to u...
Q: How can I best provide for my pet using estate planning? -Dog Lover A: Dear Lover: A beloved pet can b...
Probably every parent who has watched the news lately has felt the heartbreak over what’s happening to im...
It always surprises me to hear parents who have a child with special needs tell me that they were not awa...
In the 1980s, the late actor Alan Thicke played the wise-but-hip father figure and psychiatrist Dr. Jason...
Whether through illness, injury, or other means, anyone can require a guardian to become appointed if the...
One of the biggest appeals of cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, is that it is decentralized, unregulated, and...
Q: My mother recently died with lots of credit card debt. Am I responsible for paying that debt? -Worried...
Last week, we shared the first part of our series on the importance of estate planning for those without ...
It’s a common misconception to think that if you don’t have children, you don’t need to worry about estat...
Today, we live in an uber-connected world, where nearly every type of financial transaction—shopping, ban...
Last week, we shared the first part of our series on selecting and naming the right guardians for your ch...
Q: How does a living will work? —Confused A: Dear Confused: Though it can be easy to confuse a “living wi...
One of your most important responsibilities as a parent is to select and legally document guardians for y...
Estate planning really should be considered as soon as you acquire your first asset, have a child, or ste...
When discussing estate planning, a will is what most people think of first. Indeed, wills have been the m...
Whether you consider yourself wealthy or not, you need to think about how (and when) you’ll talk with you...
Q: What is long-term care insurance? —Unsure A: Dear Unsure: Long-term care (LTC) insurance covers your b...
With high school graduation coming up, many parents will soon watch their children become adults (at leas...
The concept of conscious uncoupling, or conscious divorce, has been around for decades in the psychothera...
It’s sad but true that many pets end up in shelters after their owner dies or becomes incapacitated. In f...
While purchasing life insurance may seem pretty straightforward, it’s actually quite complex, especially ...
Discussing death can be awkward, and many people would prefer just to ignore estate planning all together...
Q: What is digital estate planning? —Wondering A: Dear Wondering: Digital estate planning involves protec...
These days, second and even third marriages are fairly commonplace. And the estate planning issues that a...
In 2015, when the Supreme Court ruled that same-gender couples had the right to marry, the LGBTQ communit...
President Trump signed the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act bill into law on December 22, 2017, and the law incl...
Since estate planning involves thinking about death, many people put it off until their senior years or s...
Q: Can I name multiple beneficiaries on my life insurance policy? --Curious A: Dear Curious: There are se...
Whether you’ve met with an estate planning attorney before or it’s your first time, it’s important to und...
Some of the most disturbing crimes against the elderly involve financial exploitation. While physical abu...
If you’re middle aged or older, it’s likely that one of your most pressing concerns is not having enough ...
Divorce can be one of the most unpleasant—and often traumatic—experiences of your life, especially if you...
Last week, we shared the first part of our series on cryptocurrency risks and scams, and if you haven’t r...
Q: Can my will be contested? Concerned testator-- A: Dear Concerned: Creating a will should give you peac...
It’s no secret that Bitcoin and other brands of cryptocurrency are one of the hottest new investment oppo...
UPDATE: The new tax bill has been signed into law, so for information on the bill's final provisions and ...
Today’s parents are all too familiar with the budget-busting cost of funding a child’s college education....
Q: What will happen to my pet in a natural disaster? Pet Parent-- A: Dear Pet Parent: In the wake of natu...
All parents have undoubtedly felt guilty at some point for not spending enough time with their children. ...
Buying a second home can provide you with a place to relax, unwind, and escape from it all. It can also p...
A last will and testament is the most commonly thought of document when it comes to an estate plan. But, ...
As the baby boomer generation ages—and downsizes—more and more adult children will be tasked with going t...
Planning for natural disasters is more than just stocking up on canned food and water. In a natural disas...
Q: How can snowbirding help me save on taxes? Recent Retiree-- A: Dear Retiree: Snowbirding is a great wa...
If you have pets, you probably want to make sure they are well-taken care of, if anything happens to you....
Self-made millionaires are not uncommon in the dotcom era, but their fortunes pale in comparison to those...
DIY wills are becoming more prevalent as legal services can now be accessed easily online. For better or ...
Setting up a trust fund for your children can ensure that the money you are leaving behind for them is ta...
Q: What does transfer on death mean? Prudent Planner-- A: Dear Prudent: Transfer on death (TOD) is a meth...
When you come into a cash surplus from a company bonus, a tax refund, an inheritance or something similar...
Yours, mine and ours … in today’s modern family, it’s oh so common. The blended family is the product of ...
While the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the U.S. making it po...
Whether your estate is modest or movie star worthy, the value of a good estate plan, properly handled, ca...
Perhaps you’ve heard from a well-meaning friend or advisor that you can use an inexpensive Transfer on De...
Q: What’s the best way to save for college? --Planning Parent A: Dear Planning: Saving for college is a d...
Life insurance is a purchase only made once or twice in a lifetime, so it is common to be unaware of the ...
Asset protection planning is an important step to take in safeguarding your hard-earned assets from being...
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about Bitcoin. But, you may not know what i...
Dealing with the financial stressors of caring for an aging loved one can affect your ability to provide ...
Q: Do I need my estate planning documents reviewed by an attorney? --Estate Planning Novice A: Dear Novic...
Maybe you’ve heard that before investing in a professional service you should “get three estimates.” Whil...
In the sea of financial planning wisdom, there are too few messages about the importance of mindset. Gone...
Trusts vary in their structure, funding, and terms, so it’s hard to know how divorce will impact your tru...
A celebrity's image and likeness can continue to produce considerable income after death. This type of in...
Of the handful of major life events that require your serious consideration, few are as emotionally charg...
Q: What is a revocable living trust? --Conscientious Planner A: Dear Conscientious: Revocable living trus...
If you have ever met someone who repeatedly sabotaged their life or seemed to have a hard time moving thi...
Multi-generational households are becoming the new (or maybe it’s really old) in vogue way to handle the ...
As your family size grows, there is lots to prepare for and consider. Welcoming a new family member can b...
As a parent, you are most likely quite accustomed to managing the legal and medical affairs of your child...
If you are planning a vacation, you probably have a lot to prepare for before you get away. Between struc...
Q: How should I update my estate plan before I remarry? -Betrothed spouse to be A: Dear Betrothed: Everyo...
Many of us are too afraid of death to carefully consider what happens to our bodies after we die. Unfortu...
Completely disinheriting a child or grandchild should be reserved for extreme circumstances. And, if thos...
Divorce can wreak havoc on your finances. But what many divorced couples don’t realize is that they can e...
What can we learn from earlier generations? Quite a bit, says Brendon Burchard, but only if we ask the ri...
Q: How are decisions made for an incapacitated person without a living will? --Concerned family member A:...
Even after death, celebrities are highly publicized for their mistakes, many of which we make ourselves. ...
Raising a grandchild (or even spending a lot of time with your grandchild while his or her parents work) ...
Are you approaching retirement? Not sure how you can ensure a smooth transition from working life to reti...
Part of being an enlightened parent is being thoughtful about how we teach our kids about adult life. Of ...
Q: What is legal guardianship? --Concerned parent A: Dear Concerned: Broadly defined, a legal guardian is...
The average age of parents raising children in the US continues to rise, leaving many middle-aged America...
Spring has officially sprung and that means it’s spring cleaning time. Shake out the rugs, clean out the ...
When it comes to retirement plans, IRAs and 401(k)s provide many of the same benefits. But in certain sit...
Today, even the most conscientious can fall victim to phone scams. Claiming everything from free cruise v...
If you are considering a divorce, it’s critical to understand the impact of your divorce on what would ha...
Q: How can I provide for my pet in my estate planning? --Concerned Pet Owner A: Dear Concerned: Many peop...
A comprehensive estate plan can protect the things that matter most. For many, this means their property ...
If your pet is beloved as a family member, you likely want to ensure that he or she will be well cared fo...
Donald Trump has proposed a radical tax reform agenda for his presidency. Part of this reform is his inte...
Blended families, unmarried couples, assistive reproductive technology (ART) and same-sex unions and marr...
Q: What will happen to my assets when I die? --Concerned Family Member A: Dear Concerned: Many people won...
Being in your 20s or 30s doesn’t mean financial success is decades away. In fact, earning big money is of...
Caring for an aging parent is a common challenge for Baby Boomers, and now even Gen-X’ers and Millennials...
Decisions about your health care are some of the most important you will ever make. Don’t put off making ...
Baby boomers know money isn’t the only important aspect of estate planning. A 2012 study released by the ...
Q: How can a personal injury lawsuit or other settlement affect my government benefits? --Concerned Plain...
Power of attorney (POA) is a document that grants a specific person, called an agent, the authority to ma...
Financial aid is a valuable resource for students and their families. And sending a child off to college ...
Young families face different estate planning needs and challenges than those who have had a long life be...
If you created an estate plan that includes a living trust, you must review it to determine if it contain...
In Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, he said: “Remembering that I’ll be dead s...
Q: What Happens to My 401K When I Die? --Concerned Employee A: Dear Concerned: For many working-age adult...
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex couples nationwide f...
Too many estate plans are created and then quickly forgotten, put on a shelf, and never looked at again. ...
In our last newsletter, we shared the first part of our article on how to discuss estate planning with ag...
Someone you love is aging. Or maybe, facing a potentially terminal illness. And you know it’s time for th...
Q: How can I be financially ready to retire when the time comes? -- Concerned Worker A: Dear Concerned: M...
Bhutan is an independent state in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north and India to the south. ...
Even if you do not have an estate plan that you’ve created, the State has one for you. And it’s likely on...
In anticipation of the election and in response to public demand, Hillary and Bill Clinton have released ...
One day, you will be an elderly person, you hope. Maybe you are already there. Or, your parents are. And,...
Q: I just found out that my granddaughter is gay. I’m crushed. What should I do? -- Anguished Grandparent...
Just as it is difficult for many of us to talk about our ultimate death, it is also difficult for doctors...
The quality of the education a child receives through public or private school systems can vary greatly. ...
One of the hardest things to do as a human being is to acknowledge our mortality. Some people even seem t...
When all is ideal in a family, the bond between grandparent and child is a special one. Maybe you’ve even...
Electronic technology has brought about tremendous benefits for today’s society. We can access goods, ser...
Q: Is it true that things I tell my lawyer are confidential? -- Concerned Client A: Dear Concerned: To re...
This is your letter of permission to go ahead and simply love your children. Put down those expectations ...
Are you the unappreciated black sheep in your family? Have you wished you could redeem your reputation an...
If you have money invested in the stock market, whether through a retirement account or a straight broker...
If you’re like me, you want to leave an inheritance for your children. It’s likely part of what you are w...
Most of us want to make a mark in the world. That’s a big part of what gives our lives meaning. And wheth...
Q: Should I be concerned that my divorce will hurt my kids? -- Concerned Parent A: Dear Concerned: Many p...
Pick up the latest copy of just about any business magazine, and you’re likely to find at least one artic...
If you have ever wondered about the impact your body will have on the environment when you are gone, you ...
How often do you wish you knew more about your family? When we’re young, we don’t necessarily pay attenti...
We may not think about it often, but even celebrities take care of their aging parents. Actress, singer, ...
Q: How can I help my grandchild with college without jeopardizing financial aid? -- Worried Grandparent A...
Starting a new family is always exciting and even a tad scary. This natural apprehension can be enhanced ...
When you picture a “normal” family, what do you see? Is it the traditional notion of one male parent and ...
People who are nearing the age of 65 should be making plans for the transition from private health care t...
Laws and rules are created within organized societies to regulate interaction and protect citizens. A cla...
Elder Care is emerging as a significant issue for many people as life spans continue to increase. It is n...
Q: I know I need to make a will, but somehow planning for death makes it seem so much more real. How can ...
If you are like most parents, your primary objective is to support your children to be prepared to handle...
When we pick up our prescriptions, we take the containers for granted. By contrast, in many countries med...
Those of us who work sometimes feel that we are doing our children a disservice. Sure, we bring home a pa...
You’ve spent your entire life building up your retirement account. It may even be the biggest asset you’l...
Q: Do savings bonds still have a place in my financial portfolio? --Curious Investor A: Dear Curious: Sav...
The untimely death of superstar Prince has brought a surprising issue to American living rooms: estate pl...
Much has been written about our nation’s need to help mothers in the workplace. Many benefits, such as ma...
Have you given any thought to how emergency medical care providers know who to contact or what to do if y...
Many of us like to fantasize about winning the lottery. We muse with our friends about how we might spend...
If your marriage is on the rocks, one of your many worries is probably the impact divorce will have on yo...
Q: How can I preserve my assets for my kids and loved ones? --Caring Parent A: Dear Parent: With tax time...
Did you know there are many steps that you can take to save money via your employment? Some of these stra...
To many people, living debt-free is a lifelong dream. It’s the picture of the easy life. Retired with no ...
It seems that we can’t turn on the television or radio without hearing an ad for a “reverse mortgage.” So...
Is it time to have “the talk” with your kids? We’re not talking about a “birds and bees” talk but one tha...
Q: What is the Best Way to Save for My Child's College Education? --Concerned Parent A: One of best ways ...
For those of us who have pets that would be left behind after we die, there may be a desire to make arran...
Imagine this: your elderly uncle with no family near his home travels South to Florida for surgery and ha...
As senior citizens continue to age, the likelihood increases that they will become physically or mentally...
To some degree or another, we are all a function of the social environments in which we were raised. Of c...
Q: Will I Ever be Able to Save Enough For Retirement? -- Approaching Middle-Age A: Dear Approaching: Arti...
Did you get a holiday bonus from your employer? Or maybe you have a tax refund coming. If so, do you have...
As our parents and other loved ones age, they may need a little more attention from us. Parents, grandpar...
January 1 wipes the slate clean for your tax deductible charitable contributions. That might be a good ti...
A Wisconsin woman, whose story was widely reported in media nationwide, has died. Heather McManamy, who w...
Q: My elderly parents don’t have much in the way of resources and their health appears to be failing. The...
The National Institute on Retirement Security states that the funds American workers have set aside for r...
There are so many people in our midst who are considered indigent. We see them on street corners, in park...
Class action lawsuits are common in our court systems. Most everyone has received a notice in the mail of...
When I heard that Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, were donating 99 percent of their Fac...
Q: With all the new gadgets and toys out this year, I'm struggling to come up with gift ideas for my frie...
Welcome back to the fourth and final article in our series on How to Raise Responsible Kids. You can read...
Welcome back to the third article in our series on How to Raise Responsible Kids. You can read part 1, wh...
Welcome back to the second article in our series on How to Raise Responsible Kids. You can read part 1, w...
My guess is that if we did a poll of every parent we know and asked them what they most want for their ki...
The practice of burying our dead in the ground has been traced back over 100,000 years ago. For the vast ...
As a parent, your number one job is to keep your children safe, and that’s not always easy. In our imperf...
The holidays are traditionally the time for family gatherings, where generations come together and perfor...
Many parents want to know the best way to leave a home to their children. Before you make a plan, you sho...
How do you want to die? Do you want lifesaving treatments to be administered even if all brain activity h...
In June, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, a highly publicized...
A trust is a legal creation set up to benefit someone or something. For example, some people set up trust...
If you own your home or you’ve been renting so long that this information is old hat to you, consider sha...
It’s summer, when travel is the busiest and careful planning is necessary to nab the best airfare or book...
The term “blended family” has become commonplace in our society and refers to a family where one or both ...
If you are in your “golden years” and are looking for ways to spread your wealth, you should consider the...
When you have a family member with special needs, it is important to understand that your estate planning...
You have likely heard over and over that there are many advantages to creating a comprehensive estate pla...
The passing of family heirlooms from one generation to another should be welcome tradition in most famili...
Many parents believe that by adding a child’s name to a property deed, they can pass along the property o...
If you are a single parent, life for you right now probably couldn’t get any busier. You are likely being...
The assets you leave to your loved ones can either be a source of relief or, sometimes, a source of panic...
It’s no secret that a majority of Americans are ill-prepared for retirement. A recent Forbes.com post det...
It is natural for parents to want to treat their children equally when it comes to inheritances. However,...
If you’re like most Americans, you have a rich digital life. You may bank online, invest online and certa...
Traditionally, one of the primary reasons for establishing a living trust has been to avoid probate. But ...
The shock over the death of 47-year-old SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg, husband of Facebook COO Sheryl Sa...
There is much to be learned from the mistakes of others and the celebrity world abounds with cautionary t...
A 2010 study conducted by the Investor Protection Trust found that more than seven million older American...
A common estate planning mistake many people make – including celebrities like Michael Jackson – is not e...
Current research shows that only about half of Americans have a will, and probably less than that have ch...
Once you have chosen the people you want to receive any of your assets -- either from a will, a trust, a ...
The poverty rate among seniors is rising, giving rise to the question of whether or not it is possible to...
April 15 is not only the deadline for filing your state and federal income tax returns, but also the dead...
The recession made many parents and grandparents into personal bankers, making loans to strapped children...
Estate planning is an ongoing process, and plans should be reviewed with a qualified estate planning atto...
It’s no misnomer that a position with so much responsibility carries the name “trustee”. After all, you h...
Avoiding the need for a conservatorship – the process whereby someone is appointed by a court to assume r...
Currently, it is estimated that 7 in 10 Americans will need some type of long-term care, with Medicaid ex...
Even the best intentions can have unintended consequences when it comes to estate planning. A case now wi...
Americans today are getting married later in life. Currently, the average age of a first marriage is 27 f...
Women outlive men, make less during their careers and have less in savings due to pay discrepancies and t...
One of the most prevalent misconceptions when it comes to estate planning is that if you have a will, it ...
A drama currently playing out in a French courtroom demonstrates that any elderly person can fall victim ...
Last year’s uncertainty about the future of the estate and gift tax caused many people to put their estat...
Alzheimer’s Disease is in the news again thanks to Academy Award winner Julianne Moore’s performance in t...
With the federal estate tax exemption at $5.43 million for 2015, many people think estate planning is unn...
Robin Williams’ wife Susan has gone to court over personal items she says were taken from the couple’s Ti...
When you hear the words, “trust fund,” do you conjure up images of stately mansions and party yachts? A t...
James Brown was known for his signature song, “I Feel Good,” but no one is feeling good about the battle ...
The film “Black Heirlooms” has not received any Oscar nominations. It was made by 32-year-old Amanda Brow...
Everyone needs an agent – and not the Hollywood type. An agent is someone you designate to handle your es...
A new year always brings the sad reviews of notable personalities who have died in the past year. Two not...
When your children were small, you no doubt suffered the challenge of keeping peace in the family. We see...
There are many goals most of us want to accomplish in life, and some of the most important ones center on...
Famous comedienne, Joan Rivers, who died unexpectedly on September 4, 2014, from what is alleged to be a ...
Not many people would view the IRS as a charitable organization, but you might if you plan your gifting a...
Families of those with disabilities - physical or mental - are typically concerned with the best way to f...
One of the uncomfortable moments of life for many people is when they try to address automobile ownership...
Here are two scientific facts: Diamonds are forever. We are not. However, through science, there is now a...
A person who turns 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care at some time in their...
Take a moment and consider how much of your life you live online. If you are like most of us, you bank, p...
Creating an estate plan to protect your financial future and that of your family is just the first step i...
According to the Investment Company Institute, the use of IRAs for retirement saving has increased in the...
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has changed the way inherited IRAs are viewed when it comes to bankr...
Parents of children with special needs usually share one overriding concern: what will happen to my child...
Legendary Hollywood actress Lauren Bacall died on August 12, 2014, leaving behind an estate estimated at ...
If you have grandchildren - or are getting ready to welcome one like political power couple Bill and Hill...
Inherited wealth need not be “an albatross around the neck of the children” as Sting so succinctly put it...
When we think of vast family wealth, most of us know the name Cornelius Vanderbilt, the railroad and ship...
Whether you have a lost a spouse or partner through divorce or death, being thrust into singlehood can be...
You bring your children into the world with love. You raise them with love. If you’re going all the way a...
As hard as it is for all of us to “plan” for our deaths, doing so is one of the best things you can do fo...
One of the most eloquent responses to Robin Williams’ death came from his best friend Billy Crystal, who ...
If you own real estate, chances are you have purchased insurance to protect your assets against damage or...
While most parents have the best intentions when it comes to teaching their children about handling finan...
Casey Kasem, the celebrity radio host who counted down America’s Top 40 popular songs for years, died on ...
Gifting assets can be a useful estate planning tool if you need to reduce your estate tax bill or for lon...
Maria Shriver knows the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease firsthand. Her beloved father Sargent Shriver,...
It’s no surprise that Americans spend more time planning their summer vacations than they do planning the...
If you have young children, chances are that your summer activities include some careful planning to keep...
Rock musician Sting recently announced that his children will not inherit his estimated $300 million fort...
If you’re the parent of a high school graduate this year, congratulations! You’ve put in a lot of time an...
Do you know what it takes to be a real man? Although the expectations of both men and women have evolved ...
A new study from the Boston College Center on Wealth and Philanthropy shows that the greatest wealth tran...
Summer has officially arrived and for those of us fortunate enough to have a vacation home – whether it’s...
One of the most striking aspects of the recent opening of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum...
Most parents love their children unconditionally and want to do whatever they can to smooth life’s rough ...
Did you know that the best-selling item at Walmart is bananas? It’s true, and has been for several years....
Many people fail to create an estate plan because they don’t truly understand what is involved and theref...
The perfect gift for your child or grandchild on the occasion of their birth, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Sweet 1...
If you are like most Americans, you will probably be spending at least some of your vacation time this su...
America is a nation of do-it-yourselfers, but building a deck and creating a legally valid estate plan ar...
Jerry Orbach, who starred as Detective Lennie Briscoe in the popular “Law and Order” television series, d...
A recent article in the New York Post about brothers battling over a painting from their uncle’s estate s...
Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. Your life changes, your assets change, the...
Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s will has been filed for probate and provides a cautionary ta...
With just over 50,000 residents, La Crosse is a lot like other small American towns – but there is one th...
Pediatrician Dr. Bill Sears is the author of more than 30 books on childcare, has appeared on dozens of n...
Baby boomers are set to inherit up to $8.4 trillion over the next 15 years, according to The Center for R...
Paul Walker, who starred in the Fast & Furious movie franchise, died tragically in a high speed car a...
If you have been responsible enough to purchase a life insurance policy as added protection for your love...
Everyone agreed on one thing: Marlise Munoz was dead. The 33-year-old Texas wife, mother and paramedic go...
If you have minor children and have not yet selected a guardian, you are not unlike many parents who put ...
Asset protection is not something most people think too deeply about. Most of us are busy trying to accum...
If you are fortunate enough to have a family vacation home, you know the emotional value it holds for eve...
Your estate is made up of everything you own, which includes your personal possessions as well as your ho...
When you look around your holiday table this year, you will probably not be thinking about the beneficiar...
A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that boomers and seniors are more interested in passing along ...
Everyone’s “to-do” lists seem to grow longer at this time of year, but yours is incomplete until you ask ...
If you have not revisited your estate plan this year following the changes made to the estate and gift ta...
Do you consider trusts to be instruments of the wealthy? While it is true that many Americans of means ha...
According to a recent Forbes article, Americans donated more than $316 billion to charity last year – and...
Most of us who have a pet consider them to be a part of the family; unfortunately, the plans we may have ...
If you are helping an elderly parent or relative manage their finances or have been given a power of atto...
We know that no one likes to think about death, especially their own. Which is why many people procrastin...
If you have been named the executor of someone’s estate or the Trustee of a Trust, you may be unaware of ...
For many people, the basics of estate planning are simple enough, but for those families with loved ones ...
We are fast approaching the holidays, when travel is the busiest and careful planning is necessary to nab...
If you came to this page to find out what I’ll charge you for a Will or you are considering calling me (o...
A recent Economist article says a “perfect storm” of the poor economy of the past few years, resulting in...
If you are like most of the parents I know, you feel guilty. It’s what parents do. Whether your guilt is ...
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor invalidated the federal Defense of Mar...
Three-day weekends like the Labor Day just passed give us all the tiniest snippet of a glimpse into what ...
Remember that old joke: How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time. At the heart of that gag ...
Beyond the emotional impact that divorce can have on couples of any age that decide to split, it can have...
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is not just about money or taxes. Far from it. Today, it’s mo...
We are fairly certain the last thing your 18-year-old kid is thinking about is an estate plan. And you ar...
A new trend in identity theft – afterlife identity theft – is on the rise, with thieves scouring obituari...
Research shows that a majority of baby boomers will receive an inheritance at some time during the lives,...
James Gandolfini, the actor best known for his portrayal of Tony Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos, died sudd...
Seth Godin is a well known and oft-quoted American entrepreneur who has authored 13 best sellers that hav...
According to a 2011 McAfee study, Americans value the digital assets they own across multiple digital dev...
Recently, 11 major life insurance companies agreed to pay $763 million to the heirs of deceased policyhol...
It’s summer and that means more teen drivers on the road. Statistics show teens have twice as many accide...
When you were a kid, your parents dreaded the talk they had to have with you. You know the one. Well, now...
If you make a mistake in naming beneficiaries for your life insurance policy, the people you love will en...
Unfortunately, money has a habit of bringing out the worst in people, even in the best of families. One o...
It’s hard to believe that people who spend a lifetime working hard to accumulate wealth spend little or n...
A will is one of the most basic estate planning documents, and everyone should have one to make sure that...
By now, the flood of floral commercials has already reminded us that Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. But ...
Retirement decision-making for boomers is very different than it was for our parents, when it was usually...
The digital afterlife debate over who owns the online assets of someone who has died has been in the news...
Every single adult needs to have an advance health care directive written, signed and in place. This incl...
Three-time New York City Mayor Ed Koch died on Feb. 1, leaving an estate estimated between $10-$11 millio...
Many parents perceive a conflict between funding a child’s college education and building their own retir...
They call it the “poor man’s estate planning.” Put your child on the title to your deed and avoid probate...
In the process of becoming new parents, many couples become experts at planning – scheduling the birthing...
Downton Abbey – the PBS drama about the fortunes and misfortunes of an aristocratic British family in the...
There have been a number of new rules and services implemented by the Social Security Administration for ...
While the fiscal cliff tax deal cut by Congress last month targeted primarily higher wage earners, every ...
Most of us conduct a lot of our personal business online these days, so the necessity of being savvy when...
Planning for a long and prosperous retirement is no longer just about the money; because of the recession...
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that Congress passed on New Year's Day extended the Bush era tax...
In this article I will explain the difference between a Will-based plan and a Trust-based plan so you can...
When we talk about retirement, most of us are still thinking about our parents’ retirement and how they d...
Estate planning rarely comes up in the course of regular conversation and if it does, it is usually invol...
The holidays are a traditional time for multiple generations to gather together, and are also a perfect o...
With longer life spans comes the necessity to be sure your money is around at least as long as you are. L...
Even though the elections are over, no one knows what Congress will do by the end of the year when it com...
You’re never too young or too old to save for retirement; here are some guidelines by age group: Under 25...
According to a recent study by the Investor Protection Trust and Investor Protection Institute, the top t...
While most parents have the inclination to treat all their children equally when it comes to an inheritan...
Balancing the needs of a multi-generational blended family with your own wishes can be a complicated task...
What will happen to estate taxes in 2013? Right now, you may as well try to predict what the weather will...
There is no doubt we are a nation of pet lovers. Unfortunately, the law as it is currently written views ...
You could be unintentionally reducing your family’s wealth potential if you do not properly designate the...
As a Personal Family Lawyer®, I am often asked to help people who inherit a retirement account. The actio...
There are a number of essential things a last will and testament can do for you, such as distribute famil...
As a Personal Family Lawyer®, I see many of the same estate planning mistakes made time and again by peop...
A child’s wedding day is one of the happiest occasions in life for most parents, especially when they app...
virginia
Hi, I’m Pam Starsia. I became a Personal Family Lawyer because I’m passionate about educating and empowering people to create estate, life, ...
I became a Personal Family Lawyer to help people like you and families like yours plan for the future. Facing the potential for incapacity a...
Let’s talk about your death . . . or incapacity. If something unfortunate happens, what will happen to your assets that you’ve worked so har...
Hi. I’m John W. Heck. I became a Personal Family Lawyer because I have seen the consequences of failed estate planning in my immediate famil...
In my practice, I focus on Family Protection, Wealth Preservation, and Value-Based Planning. I’m also experienced with wealth planning strat...
Lisa Brown Esq. is the principal attorney for Brown Law Offices. She received her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and ...
Naureen Rahman has been practicing law for over twenty years in the Maryland, DC-Metropolitan area. She has practiced across numerous sector...
I love being able to guide my clients through a unique planning process that empowers them to live a financially fulfilling life now while e...
I am an attorney dedicated to helping families in Virginia navigate the world of estate planning. With over 22 years of legal experience, I'...
You've planned your kids’ birthday parties, playdates, and education. But have you adequately planned for the care of your family if the unthinkable happened? What provisions are needed in the first 24 hours while the officials locate your family members and arrange for your children's care?
In an easy-to-read "choose your own adventure" story format, Wear Clean Underwear guides you to know the exact right legal steps for yourself and the people you love.