Blog
Why Does an Estate Need to File an Income Tax Return?
We have many clients ask us why an estate must file an income tax return. The quick answer requires you to understand a simple concept that may come as a surprise. When someone dies, the assets they own create an “estate” which may be made up of income producing property and non-income producing property. The…
Should you Use an Online Estate Auction?
Sadly, when a loved one passes away, it is common for family members to start fighting over the property the deceased left behind. Greed can make people do and say things they otherwise would not do or say. While we all hope our family members will be able to resolve disputes on their own, that…
Can Probate be a Good Thing?
You have probably heard that you should avoid probate at all costs. Generally speaking, this is good advice. The probate process can be time-consuming and expensive. It also puts your private affairs out into the public. However, there are certain circumstances where allowing a portion of your estate to go through probate can be helpful….
Why do we Avoid Estate Planning?
Most people believe that estate planning is important and they have every intention of doing it, yet they continue to procrastinate creating a plan. While no two individuals are the same, below are a few of the most common reasons people delay establishing their estate plan: Fear of Death Most people do not like to…
When can a Decedent’s Last Will be Challenged?
Challenging a decedent’s Last Will and Testament is a serious matter. When you object to a Will, you are questioning the validity of it. Most objections to a Will are filed by relatives that are angry because they were not named as a beneficiary and they assume it was a mistake. Another common scenario is…
What You Can Learn From Estate Planning Mistakes Made by Celebrities
Most people assume that the rich and famous have bullet-proof estate plans to protect their expansive estates. The reality, however, is that celebrities make the same estate planning mistakes as everyone else. Below are some of the mistakes celebrities have made and that you should avoid, including failing to: Appoint proper guardians. When choosing a…
Should You Include Your Pets in Your Estate Plan?
Most people think about their spouse, children and friends when they are creating their estate plan. However, another loved one that you may want to consider is your pet. If you want to plan for the maintenance and care of your dog, cat or other animal after you are gone, there are several options to…
An Elder Law Attorney’s Tips for Interviewing a Nursing Home
Looking for the right nursing home for yourself or a loved one can be a complicated task. It is an important decision that should only be made after conducting due diligence. You should ask your friends and family for references, as well as look online for feedback. You should also visit and interview the staff…
Should you Pre-Plan Your Funeral?
Even if you are a planner in all areas of your life, you are probably like most people and you do not like to think about dying. However, by pre-planning your funeral, you can remove a significant burden from your family. Planning a funeral right after losing somebody is stressful and can feel overwhelming. If…
The Importance of Medicaid Planning
If you are thinking about your “golden years” and you are worried about ending up in a nursing home and how you will pay for it, it is time to begin Medicaid planning. We can help you create a strategy to protect your assets and to reduce the financial strain of nursing home care. Let…