The Benefits of Pet Trusts
Pets provide a lot of enjoyment and comfort to their owners. Your pet is probably considered a valued family member. Since you love them, you give them the best life you can. But what if you were suddenly unable to…
How Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Can Go Wrong
Your estate plan may seem more cost-effective if you create your own documents. However, it can be costly in the end, both financially and in terms of family well-being. Estate planning involves important decisions about how your assets will be…
Avoiding Probate Litigation
Litigation related to probate can include guardianship and conservatorship disputes, will contests, property disputes, and disputes over gifts. The most successful approach to mitigating or avoiding probate litigation risk is carefully planning for the future. Comprehensive estate plans that are…
Changing Tax Laws Affecting Retirement and Estate Planning
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the SECURE 2.0 Act, tax provisions were recently incorporated. Lower-income household tax code changes will automatically take effect. Households of higher income and net worth may want to review their retirement…
Asset Protection Strategies in Real Estate
Real asset protection makes it possible to preserve wealth by safeguarding your property from legal claims as well as the actions of creditors. It can help prevent your assets from being seized or liquidated in the event of a lawsuit,…
How to Prepare Your Family for Unexpected Events
In case of unforeseen circumstances, such as an accident, incapacitation, or death, planning for the unexpected ensures you are prepared. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s that life is uncertain and that caring for you and those you…
Exploring the Major Components of Estate Planning
When you die, an estate plan ensures your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes. It requires organization and strategy and begins with five key legal documents that can address many areas of estate planning concerns. Proper estate…
Estate Planning Amongst Tax Reform
The federal estate tax law, gifts, and GST exemptions may require an annual review and amendment of your estate plan. Since 2018, federal tax assessment on estates above $11.7 million, indexed for inflation every year, will default back to pre-2018…
Connections to Help Seniors Avoid Loneliness
We admire senior citizens for their wisdom and longevity, but they often have to face the grief of having outlived their partners, friends, and children. If they can’t maintain and make new meaningful connections as they age, they are at…
Tenant Rights and When to Hire a Real Estate Attorney
Practically speaking, not every problem in a rental requires hiring an attorney. In fact, many tenants will face minor issues that can be resolved using common sense and basic knowledge of landlord-tenant law. Still, some problems are serious enough to…