General

What does that look like in sign language?

2024-11-21T19:29:02-05:00November 21st, 2024|Estate, Estate Planning and Administration, General|

What if you came to a meeting, sat down as it was about to begin, and the person next to you greeted you with a series of hand gestures that you did not recognize? Perhaps you politely smiled or nodded and then turned your attention to the front of the room as the speaker was about to begin. The first thing you notice is that there is no microphone at the podium. “That’s odd” you think, but then the reason becomes clear.

The speaker isn’t speaking, at least not out loud. He begins the meeting with hand gestures that are clearly […]

This is Not For You . . .

2024-10-25T14:03:15-04:00October 25th, 2024|Estate Planning and Administration, General|

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 […]

Living Trusts . . . But It’s Cold Outside!

2024-02-25T19:20:07-05:00February 25th, 2024|Estate Planning and Administration, General|

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 […]

Mama Zoom

2024-02-25T19:43:11-05:00September 10th, 2020|Estate Planning and Administration, General|

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 […]

Multiple Executors – What Happens When You Have More Than One Executor and They Don’t Agree

2020-01-24T09:18:04-05:00January 24th, 2020|Estate Planning and Administration, General|

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 […]

The View in the Rear View Mirror

2019-06-10T09:24:25-04:00June 10th, 2019|General|

I have not made a new entry here for months. Some of you who have lived through the difficulty of memory loss with a loved one know that it is sad. One of the things I have consistently said, and I truly believe, is that I am sure God never intended for anyone’s life to come to an end in this way.

I have lunch each Thursday with mom. She is always pleasant. She remembers me and knows who I am. Most of the time. Occasionally she will say something like “Does Mark know you’re here?” to which I pleasantly respond, […]

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