On the surface, it may seem that beneficiary designations don’t have a lot to do with your estate planning. However, anything to do with your financial worth – anything you own – affects your estate. In this article, we will consider the importance of coordinating...
Some mysteries are minor like: Why do socks disappear in the dryer and why does time move slower as you approach home after a long trip? However, there are mysteries that affect some of your most important decisions. For example, people may have heard the word...
After being injured in a car accident, Jody didn’t know where to turn. Medical bills piled up, her car was totaled, and her boss wanted her back at work pronto. She had heard of people being compensated for their losses through a personal injury claim, but she needed...
Family may be the biggest reason people put together their estate plan. However, according to a recent survey, family conflict may be the biggest threat to your plan. And the Survey Says . . . At a recent meeting of the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning,...
The closing on Emily’s house just happened to coincide with her all-expenses paid, non-refundable Caribbean cruise. The closing documents had to be signed in person, by either Emily or someone with her authority. She honestly did not know what she was going to do....
One way of resolving legal disagreements is through negotiation. But when that doesn’t help sparring parties reach a settlement, they may have to move on to other methods. In fact, they may use one of the two common forms of alternative dispute resolution: mediation...
Without question, estate planning involves some of the most important decisions you will ever make. The plans you make and the documents you sign will vary depending on your individual situation. However, it is important to make sure that you at least cover the...
There are many reasons to start a business: make money, make a difference in the world, build a legacy, or continue your family’s legacy. One reason a business owner would not form a company is to let someone take it away. That’s where asset protection comes in. Small...
The meaning of the term ‘personal injury’ seems obvious – it’s some type of injury to a person. However, personal injury claims take it to another level because someone is held responsible for the injury. Also, the injured party may receive compensation for damages....
Hopefully, you have already prepared a basic estate plan: Will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney. However, you may have heard of a revocable living trust. Before deciding to create and fund a revocable trust, you need to consider some of the...
