PART 2: THE 5 PITFALLS OF DIY ESTATE PLANS THAT CAN PUT YOUR FAMILY AT RISK
Search “digital wills” or “online estate planning” and you’ll find numerous sites offering affordable DIY legal documents like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. From LegalZoom® and Rocket Lawyer® to TrustandWill.com and FreeWill.com, these platforms present an appealing way to tackle estate planning without costly lawyer fees. But, is estate planning as straightforward as online tax […]
PART 1: THE 5 PITFALLS OF DIY ESTATE PLANS THAT CAN PUT YOUR FAMILY AT RISK
If you venture into the realm of “digital wills” or “online estate planning” through a quick Google search, a plethora of websites will unfold before your eyes, each offering a wide array of inexpensive options for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts. These platforms promise to furnish you with a range of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, […]
Why “Just a Will” Is Never Enough
When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate- just a Will. Indeed, Wills have a reputation as the number one estate planning tool and can be seen all over […]
WHY YOU NEED A TRUST – EVEN IF YOU AREN’T WEALTHY
When you hear “trust fund,” do you picture grand estates and luxury yachts? In reality, a trust fund — or simply, a trust — is an effective estate planning tool, accessible to individuals across a broad income spectrum, looking to achieve a specific objective with their wealth. In simple terms, a trust is […]
ESTATE PLANNING 101: WILLS VS. TRUSTS
Wills and trusts are two of the most used estate planning documents, and they form the foundation of the majority of estate plans. While both documents are legal vehicles designed to distribute your assets to your loved ones upon your death, the way in which they work is quite different. From when they take effect […]
PURCHASING LIFE INSURANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Life insurance is a key component of your family’s estate plan, offering those who depend on you for their financial security a safety net in the event of your death. Whether those dependents include your spouse, children, aging parents, business associates, or all of the above, investing in life insurance is a way to say, […]
Stephen “tWitch” Boss Dies Without a Will
Stephen Laurel Boss, also known as “tWitch,” was an American DJ, hip-hop dancer, choreographer, television producer, and actor whose personality lit up the stage on So You Think You Can Dance and as a producer and frequent guest host on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Boss also co-hosted the TV show Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings alongside […]
3 Simple Mistakes That Can Derail Your Estate Plan
If you’re tempted to use a DIY estate planning service or have already created a plan you aren’t 100% confident in, be sure to read how these three simple mistakes can derail your estate plan and leave your family with an expensive mess. We regularly meet with clients who ask us to review an estate […]
Top 5 Questions To Consider Before Hiring An Attorney For Your Estate Planning Needs
I understand that discussing topics like death, incapacity, and other potentially frightening life events with an estate planning attorney may seem intimidating or even morbid. However, take a deep breath and relax because it doesn’t have to be that way. Hiring an attorney to help you make wise decisions for life and death can be […]
Estate Planning Before You Travel: Why It’s Critically Important
Vacations can be the perfect opportunity to relax, disconnect from work and responsibilities, and enjoy your spouse, partner, kids’ or friend’s company. But before you head off on your next getaway, there’s something else you should consider doing that might not sound quite as fun—creating an estate plan. While it may not sound like the […]