If you're just now beginning to start your estate planning, you may have a lot of questions. It's normal to be confused about the entire process. We receive estate planning questions on a regular basis. We thought that it would be helpful to outline answers to these common questions. If you have any questions, or if you'd like to discuss your individual estate planning goals, meet with an estate planning attorney. Is a will the only estate planning document that I need? A will is an … [Read more...] about Your Estate Planning Questions Answered (part 2 of 3)
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Estate Planning & Charitable Giving
The top priority of most people when they are engaged in the process of estate planning is going to be to make sure that their family members are provided for after they pass away. This is as it should be, but it is not uncommon for some individuals take stock of their broader legacy as well. You may feel some philanthropic urges and decide that you would like to include a charitable giving component to your estate plan. There are a number of different options available, and the nice thing is … [Read more...] about Estate Planning & Charitable Giving
Your Estate Planning Questions Answered (part 1 of 3)
If you are just beginning your estate planning, you may be confused about the entire process. With so many things to consider, you likely have a lot of questions. We've taken the time to compile answers to popular estate planning questions. If you have any questions, or if you'd like to start your estate planning, call our office to set up a meeting. When should I start my planning? Your estate plan should be created as soon as possible. We understand that life can be busy and it can be … [Read more...] about Your Estate Planning Questions Answered (part 1 of 3)
How to Know You’re Working with a Good Estate Planning Attorney
Estate planning is an essential tool that everyone should consider implementing at some point. Not only is it important to have a plan in place, but you also want to make sure that your plan is properly executed. You can do this by making sure that you only work with a qualified estate planning attorney. The guide below will help give you a better understanding of how a good estate planning attorney will act. Your attorney should answer all of your questions and address your concerns. If … [Read more...] about How to Know You’re Working with a Good Estate Planning Attorney
Unique Perspective On Retirement Savings
As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age some of the facts are emerging about their preparedness and the news is not especially encouraging. A recent AP-LifeGoesStrong.com poll suggests that most of the baby boomers who are approaching retirement age polled say that Social Security will represent the centerpiece of their retirement incomes. In addition, nearly one fourth of the people who responded to the poll had no retirement savings at all, and the mean amount that poll … [Read more...] about Unique Perspective On Retirement Savings
Estate Planning Is Especially Important For Gay Couples
There was recently a lot of buzz in the news about the legalization of gay marriages in the state of New York. Of course such unions are not recognized around most of the country, and this presents some estate planning realities that gay couples must address that are not as important to people who are legally married. If you were to pass away without an estate plan in place and you were married, your spouse would assume ownership of your property under the recognized rules of legal succession. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Is Especially Important For Gay Couples
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages & Retirement Planning
Retirement planning can be challenging because it involves making projections about things that will be taking place well into the future. No one has a crystal ball so this is certainly an imperfect science. The financial crisis of 2008 offers a good example of how circumstances that are out of your control can have a significant impact on your retirement plan. Many people who planned carefully for decades found themselves in an unexpected position in the wake of the sub-prime crisis and … [Read more...] about Home Equity Conversion Mortgages & Retirement Planning
What Is An Ethical Will?
When you think about estate planning the financial aspects are probably going to occupy your mind. You must prepare all of the assets that you have been able to accumulate throughout your life for distribution to your loved ones, and this is indeed a formidable task. In a sense it is like the ultimate act of spring cleaning, identifying everything you have tucked away over many decades. And then you have to determine who will be getting what as it were and how best to deliver it. But aside from … [Read more...] about What Is An Ethical Will?
The 8 Steps Estate Planning
To help you to feel more comfortable both initiating and participating in the estate planning process, here are eight steps of estate planning. Choose an estate planning attorney that you’re comfortable with. Many estate planning attorneys offer seminars, write articles, and will provide a free consultation so you can determine whether you are a good fit. After selecting an attorney, you will be asked to fill out forms outlining your contact information and other basic information … [Read more...] about The 8 Steps Estate Planning
Medicaid & Long-Term Care
In the elder law community the subject of long-term care is a hot topic, and when you analyze the numbers you see a very profound challenge emerging. The population is aging rapidly with senior citizens comprising the fastest growing age demographic in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seven out of every ten seniors are some day going to need long term care. 25% of people who have reached the age of 85 are residing in a nursing home, so the fact is … [Read more...] about Medicaid & Long-Term Care
