How We Are Different From Other Estate Planning Law Firms
We have assisted hundreds of clients with their estate planning matters. Read more about how we go the extra mile for you.
Professional Referral Resource
We like to think of ourselves as not just a law firm but as an overall resource for our clients. We have worked hard to cultivate a first-rate network of skilled, value-added strategic partners who serve as a resource to whom we routinely refer our clients. Through our network of Professional Service Providers, we can…
12 Most Common Events that Require Estate Planning Services
Over the years we have assisted hundreds of clients with a wide range of estate planning services. It may benefit you to consult with an estate planning legal professional if you experience any of these life altering events:
Now is a good time to reflect on what is important.
The coronavirus has caused a lot of uncertainty in all our lives. While not ideal, for many, this forced downtime at home has led to a time of reflection on the things that are really important. Many people have recently reached out to me to talk about their long neglected estate planning. If you have…
Public Use Required for Eminent Domain
“Eminent domain” is the power of the federal, state, or local governments (and, in some limited circumstances, private parties, such as utilities and railroads) to take, or to authorize the taking of, private property for a public use without the owner’s consent and upon payment of just compensation.
Estate Planning – Powers of Appointment
A power of appointment is the power given to someone to allow that person to designate who will receive property or an interest in property. The creator of the power is called the donor, the individual having the power is the powerholder, and the possible recipients of the property are permissible appointees. There are other potential ramifications for powers of appointment that should be taken into account. All in all, whether to use a power of appointment and, if so, with what characteristics, are questions best answered with the advice of a lawyer well versed in estate planning.
The Pitfall Of Holding Title To Real Estate As Joint Tenants
Many older people add an adult child (or grandchild) to the title of their assets (especially their home) as a joint owner in order to avoid probate. However, this type of property can create all kinds of problems, including: When a joint owner is added, the original owner loses control. To sell real estate held…
Top 8 Estate Planning Mistakes
Perhaps you have heard the expression: “If you fail to plan then you plan to fail.” This statement was never truer than for estate planning. By some accounts, 70% of adult Americans have no will or trust in place for their loves ones. Furthermore, others who initially did prepare an estate plan have failed to…
No Estate Taxes for POD Beneficiary
Before James died (without a will, and with an estate valued at about $12 million) he had designated his teenage goddaughter, Jessica, as the beneficiary on two payable on death (POD) accounts worth almost $4 million at his death. Jessica and her parents were then sued by James’s estate, which was seeking reimbursement for the…
Generation-Skipping Trusts
If you have heard of generation-skipping trusts (GSTs) at all, you probably think of them as a way for wealthy families to shield their fortune from estate taxes. That is true as far as it goes, but GSTs can also have benefits for the less well off by protecting assets from ex-spouses and creditors and…
Estate Planning for Vacation Homes
Whether it is a palatial estate where Rockefellers and Vanderbilts would feel at home or a rustic cabin in the woods complete with an outhouse, a family vacation home often carries sentimental value that doesn’t show up on financial ledgers. That is all the more reason why owners of such homes should plan for the…