Wills & Trusts
4 Reasons: Estate Planning is a Final Act of Love
Very recently, a close friend’s wife lost her Father. Though his health was not the best, his decline was rapid and unexpected. The family, particularly her Mother, struggled to make choices that honored him, their culture and other family members’ suggestions. To put it plainly, it was chaotic, stressful and unsettling. With Valentine’s Day approaching…
READ MORE →At What Age Should You Start Estate Planning?
I recently performed a random survey (which may, or may not have happened on Facebook). I asked the question: “At what age do you think you should meet with an Estate Planning Attorney?” The answers were very thoughtful, and I learned a lot about what people think of estate planning. So what is the…
READ MORE →In Memoriam … How Hollywood is Motivating People to Plan
Each year a newspaper or magazine reminds us of all the celebrities who passed away. I mention it not to put a damper on a New Year full of hope and promise. Really, it is a good way for me to illustrate estate planning trials and tribulations for clients and would-be clients. Take for example…
READ MORE →An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
An acquaintance told me recently that her mother is being taken advantage of by her son. It was a heart-wrenching story for sure. Unfortunately, due to circumstances I can’t elaborate on, I was not able to help her mother with any preventative measures. Perhaps the saddest part about her situation is that fixing the problem…
READ MORE →What is a Special Needs Trust?
If you are the parent of a special needs child, you are no stranger to being an advocate — more likely a warrior —- for your child. This post is to familiarize you with special needs trusts. These trusts are as special as the individuals they are created for because it is done in such a way…
READ MORE →Why a Single Parent Should ALWAYS Have an Estate Plan
Recently, I learned of a colleague asking for assistance with a sticky situation. His client, a single parent, passed away and an online fundraising account was established, with the funds going to an account in one extended family member’s name. That family member has now left town after gathering money in the name of helping…
READ MORE →4th of July: Why Estate Planning is Ultimately About Freedom
We are celebrating our country’s Independence. An honor fought for with the American Revolution and solidified by our Constitution and Bill of Rights. Thanks to this war and these documents we truly have freedom — the freedom to dispose of our property how and to whom we like. According to Jeffrey R. Gottlieb, an Illinois…
READ MORE →Summertime Means Travel, But Are You Really Prepared?
Summer Vacation is a family’s happy place. When mom says be sure to pack all the essentials and make sure you have thought of everything, I guarantee she probably didn’t mean Estate Planning. Yet, when you go to “Fly the Friendly Skies” or Road Trip to that amazing National Park, this added level of protection…
READ MORE →Estate Planning & Graduates: Financial Strategies
When your graduate crosses the stage this month, they will take the financial reigns from you just as they take their diploma. Here are a few ways to help steer them towards success in their financial future. Summertime is upon us here in Phoenix and so is graduation season. This major transition period for most…
READ MORE →What Does Scouting Have to Do with Estate Planning?
Scouting Motto: “BE PREPARED” and why BEING PREPARED should not stop when you leave scouting as a young person, but be a life long goal. I am blessed to say that my kids, along with those of some of my co-workers and friends, are involved in scouting. I love scouting because the lessons and experiences…
READ MORE →I Am Moving to a New State: What Happens to My Estate Plan?
If you planned your estate, but are moving from one state to another, check for these major discrepancies in laws and procedures.
READ MORE →DIY Estate Planning: Have You Really Taken Care of Everything?
Just this week I visited a man (let’s call him “Rick”) in the ICU. What started out as a nice spring motorcycle ride with his buddies, turned into a life-threatening accident when Rick suddenly lost control of his bike. He was rushed to the nearest trauma hospital and after a few surgeries, he woke up…
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