The passing away of a loved one leaves a void that's difficult to fill. You're suddenly thrust into an emotional rollercoaster, wondering how to go on without that essential person in your life. To help you navigate this challenging chapter, here are some concrete strategies to manage both your emotional and practical needs during this trying time. Embrace Your Emotions Validate Your Feelings: Feelings of loss, sadness, or even anger are natural. Acknowledge them without judgment. Remember … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Insight: How to Tackle Challenges After a Loss
Property Powers of Attorney (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales discusses property powers of attorney and answers a number of frequently asked questions pertaining to powers of attorney. … [Read more...] about Property Powers of Attorney (VIDEO)
Gen X – This One’s for You (Really Every Generation Should Read This)
As the Baby Boomer Generation retires and eventually dies, the greatest transfer of wealth will occur and according to many sources, it will dwarf any prior wealth transfer. This transfer gives those anticipated to inherit the wealth a great opportunity to open the lines of communication with their families to plan for the shift that has already started. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Gen X – This One’s for You (Really Every Generation Should Read This)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find Out What It Means To…Your Estate Plan
Individuals often have reservations about seeking out an attorney’s help with their Estate Plan. Sometimes they worry about the cost, other times they think that they can do it on their own, and sometimes they die before the thought of creating an Estate Plan ever crosses their mind. Unfortunately, the issues that arise from a lack of proper Estate Planning on death don’t care who we are. As this blog demonstrates, even celebrities struggle with creating a comprehensive Estate Plan. Read on to … [Read more...] about R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find Out What It Means To…Your Estate Plan
Who Will Administer My Living Trust?
If you are under the impression that you should use a will as the foundation of your estate plan, you should understand some differences between a will and a living trust. Drawbacks and Limitations When a will is used, your heirs will receive lump-sum bequests. Creditors or litigants that have judgments against an heir can sweep right in and go after their inheritance. Plus, a person that spends too freely would have free reign to burn through the money without any guidance or … [Read more...] about Who Will Administer My Living Trust?
Aretha Franklin’s Unsettled Estate (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses Aretha Franklin's unsettled estate, which, five years after her death, is going to trial due to the discovery of two different handwritten wills. Note: A jury in Michigan has ruled that a handwritten will found under Aretha Franklin's couch cushion is valid as her will, according to the Associated Press. … [Read more...] about Aretha Franklin’s Unsettled Estate (VIDEO)
Five Tips for Planning Your Estate Effectively
A lot of people without estate plans do not take action because they don’t know where to begin. With this in mind, let’s look at five tips that should provide some insight and motivation. Focus on Your Family Estate planning can seem like a somber responsibility that is easy to put off, and the years of inaction can start to add up. You may know that you should put a plan in place, but it is easy to convince yourself that there is time to do it later. Indeed, you may live a long and full … [Read more...] about Five Tips for Planning Your Estate Effectively
How Tax and Non-Tax Considerations Impact Estate Planning – Part II
People often believe that Estate Planning is a “simple” process designed only for those whose estates will exceed the Applicable Exclusion Amount of $12.92 million in 2023. That myopic view causes many who should undertake Estate Planning to skip it altogether or to look for ways to complete the planning on their own without the services of a qualified Estate Planning attorney. As the last article in this two-part series demonstrated, numerous taxes impact Estate Planning. This second part of … [Read more...] about How Tax and Non-Tax Considerations Impact Estate Planning – Part II
Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Estate Planning offers a practical and easy way to show your loved ones that you care. Simply put, an Estate Plan serves as a set of instructions regarding how you want your assets to pass, to whom you want them to pass, and when you want them to pass. The plan sends a message to your loved ones that you care enough to leave your affairs in order and protect … [Read more...] about Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
Blog Author: Tereina Stidd, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Associate Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. The headline read “Battle Over Anne Heche’s Estate Settled” when it should have read “Yet Another Celebrity Dies Without an Estate Plan.” Anne Heche was a well-known actress who died unexpectedly following a fiery car crash in August 2022. Anne left behind two sons, one of whom is 20, the other of whom is 13, and no estate plan. Her case was tragic and the … [Read more...] about The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
