Summer might seem like the wrong time to have a serious conversation about money and estate planning issues, but it could also be the most relaxed opportunity you have to discuss this with your parents. Fidelity has just released a study on the topic of finance and family, identifying that the major retirement issues for… Read More »
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Are Your Beneficiary Designations All That Important?
Your beneficiary designations on items such as your individual retirement account or your life insurance policy are critically important for the company to determine who should receive your benefits if something happens to you. Even though this is a pertinent detail of your estate planning, many beneficiary designations are often forgotten, mishandled or overlooked. Many… Read More »
What Are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative?
Naming a personal representative is something that all individuals should consider, despite the fact that no two estate plans are exactly the same. Every individual’s estate has its own set of circumstances and facts. The assets within each estate will be different as well as the individuals who may ultimately receive those assets. There are… Read More »
Five Important Steps to Take Before Getting Married
Before walking down the aisle and saying I do, there are several different steps you can take to set yourself off on the right foot in your new marriage. These five tips are essential for the engaged. Put Together a Budget A budget is essential especially if you are combining finances and living together for… Read More »
Are You Making the Number One Estate Planning Mistake?
If you’ve done your due diligence to set up a meeting with an estate planning attorney, this is an important first step towards protecting your future. That being said, too many individuals fail to also keep their beneficiaries updated on a regular basis. Many different assets allow beneficiary designations such as pensions, life insurance, bank… Read More »
Most Common Tools Used in the Estate Planning Process
If you are finally ready to accomplish your estate planning but you are not sure what strategies or tools you need to help you, there are several common instruments that may be beneficial depending on your individual needs. These include a will, a living trust, a pre-nuptial agreement, a healthcare proxy, a living will, a… Read More »
Are You Making the Number One Estate Planning Mistake?
If you’ve done your due diligence to set up a meeting with an estate planning attorney, this is an important first step towards protecting your future. That being said, too many individuals fail to also keep their beneficiaries updated on a regular basis. Many different assets allow beneficiary designations such as pensions, life insurance, bank… Read More »
What You Should Know About Charitable Trusts
If you are intending to leave assets behind to a charity, you should consider working directly with an experienced estate planning attorney to help make sure your gifting is done in the way you want. For example, charitable contributions to a trust allow you to pass on assets to a charity but also have significant… Read More »
92 YEAR OLD SUMNER REDSTONE RULED COMPETENT TO CHANGE HEALTH CARE PROXY
On May 9, 2016, Los Angeles Judge David Cowan interrupted what had been scheduled as a lengthy trial to rule that a videotaped deposition of Sumner Redstone, age 92, proved that he was mentally capable of replacing his 51 year old girlfriend, Manuela Herzer, as his Health Care Proxy. Ms. Herzer had contended that Mr…. Read More »
The Benefits of Special Needs Trusts
If you have a loved one who has special needs, then it is imperative that you consult with an estate planning attorney as soon as possible about all of your options. This is because individuals providing assistance to those with special needs have certain considerations that should be evaluated by a knowledgeable Massachusetts estate planning… Read More »