General

Charitable giving is only for the rich! Well, not exactly. In fact, nearly half of the US Population makes some form of giving a part of their lives. Giving to religious organizations tops the list, followed by giving that helps to provide human services. Education is a distant third and so the list continues.

Did you know that you could make gifts through your Last Will & Testament? Leaving a legacy can include a gift to your church, your synagogue, or to support a community project like Maranatha Ministries or Project Share.

Many organizations will be glad to assist you in making […]

This blog is not for you, unless you care about what happens to your stuff after you pass away. If you do, then you should pay attention – this is for you. Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, says “Do you hate the people in your life? Die without a will! They will fight for years over your stuff.” A recent PBS broadcast suggested that fifty-five percent of us die w/out having a valid Last Will and Testament. This is a poor comment on our society.

Your Last Will & Testament does not need to be complicated. I have helped many clients […]

Why is it that the sun shining, as seen out my window in the morning, always seem to cheer me up? Then I walk outside and suddenly remember that it’s February and I quickly return to the warmth of my house. The sun is still shining, and the bright, cloudless sky still invites a smile. There is, however, more to consider than appearances alone.

People go to a seminar and learn that all of their worries about their future estate planning can be cured by investing in this magical thing called a “Living Trust.” There will be no family quarrels, no […]

There are a lot of voices giving you advice. I have personally limited my online time and find that having fewer voices chatting, telling me what to do is a good thing. A very good thing. As an estate planning attorney, I am often asked about the veracity of the many “fill in the blank” will kits that are out there. And I do try to stay up to date, to see and hear the latest feedback. I also go online myself to try it out, to make sure I am not taking someone else’s jaded word s, like “It […]

You may say “That sounds crazy!” What is not to agree about?!? People are going to inherit money, there is no income tax to be paid, the estate is paying all of the bills. The Executors simply need to agree on how to “divide the pie.” I wish is were that simple.

When Executors fail to agree on how to proceed in the administration of an estate, things can slow down to a crawl. Even to a dead stop. Deadlines can be missed. Opportunities to save money through discounts are squandered. Bills go unpaid, even though there are sufficient funds sitting […]