Talking to Your Parents and Kids About Money In many families, money still is not an accepted or typical dinner table discussion. Surprisingly, this is especially true when it comes to affluent parents. We hope to change the conversation, because one of the most important things you can do is talk to your kids [...]
Ensure Care for Your Animals With a Pet Trust If you have pets, my guess is that you love them as much as you do your children. However, I’m also guessing that you have not provided any written or, better yet, legally documented instructions about what should happen to them if you become incapacitated or [...]
Will Your Family Receive the Trusted Estate Planning Help it Needs? Since Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, survives him (and it’s been widely reported that they married without a prenuptial agreement), it is most likely that she will inherit everything. And due to the “spousal exemption,” those assets will pass to her tax free. Estate planning [...]
Kobe Bryant’s Untimely Death Highlights the Vital Need for an Estate Plan at All Ages. You have likely already heard that on January 26, 2020, basketball legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles, California. Also killed in the tragic accident was his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other passengers, [...]
Our clients often ask us where to keep their important documents, such as estate planning documents (wills, trusts, and powers of appointment), insurance policies, contracts, and other important financial documents. The answer to this question often depends on how quickly you need to gain access to such documents. For instance, without the requisite power [...]
The holidays are quickly approaching and many of you will have a chance to see your parents and, for some of you, your grandparents. This would be an excellent opportunity to discuss your parents’ future and estate planning needs among the loved ones. Yet, discussing the retirement plans and estate planning needs with your [...]
Every small business owner is faced with various business risks, whether related to an injury, theft, damage to property, employee discrimination claims, or liability suits. As much as you plan for success, as a business owner, you must have these risks on your radar. You should be prepared if and when they materialize. What [...]
Protect assets and preserve your legacy. When was the last time you asked yourself - “what would happen if I die or become incapacitated”? Have you asked yourself - “will my children be protected or will my family be able to easily take over my financial affairs?” “Will my ex-husband or wife be awarded [...]
A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking of my grandparents. Life after retirement could be hard I thought. Being alone and old isn’t so much fun. What if we create a day dedicated to celebrating our grandparents? A national holiday for everyone to visit their grandparents and make them feel special – a [...]
Same sex couples often face unique challenges when it comes to an estate planning. Since the states’ intestacy laws have been historically focused on traditional families, same-sex couples may face challenges if one of them passes without an estate plan. Since the United States Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriages in June 2015, [...]
