In today’s world there are many ways to add a beneficiary to our various assets. At most financial institutions you can add a beneficiary on your accounts by filling out a simple form. Property, however, is often mistakenly left without a beneficiary because people do not realize they Continue reading
Category Archives: Estate Planning
Special Needs Trust
A Special Needs Trust, also referred to as an SNT, is a tool used in estate planning to allow a beneficiary receiving government benefits to receive distributions from a Trust Agreement without jeopardizing such benef Continue reading
WHY SHOULD YOUNG ADULTS HAVE AN ESTATE PLAN
By: Katelyn A. Sweeney
A common misconception in years past was that only seniors needed an estate plan. However, there are many benefits to encourage young people to have an estate plan in place, too. The rati Continue reading
HOW DO YOU HOLD TITLE TO REAL ESTATE?
By Sharon A. Burgess
How title is held to real estate requires a review of the actual deed of conveyance to you. The legal terms used on a deed: “Tenants in Common”, “Joint Tenants”, “Joint Tenants with Rights of Survivorship” and “Tenants by the Entireties” determine the inter Continue reading
Lady Bird Deeds
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
by Sharon A. Burgess
Many of us have heard mention of a “Ladybird Deed” and are not sure what exactly this is. The concept of a Ladybird Deed is that ownership of the property is not transferred until the death of the last of the grantors. Wi Continue reading
Does a Personal Representative Need All Beneficiaries to Approve What They Do?
The more Personal Representatives, Beneficiaries, and other interested parties educate themselves about how an estate is administered, the easier it will be to avoid mistakes and costly probate proceedings. The larger the estate and the more beneficiaries the more complicated the proc Continue reading
Caring for Our Loved Ones
As the laws continue to change with respect to Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, and long term care, it is important to consult with an attorney who practices in Elder Law. This area of practice includes not only the preparation of the traditional estate planning documents, but all Continue reading
Tips for an Effective Estate Plan
Estate Planning
By: Danelle E. Harrington
An estate plan may be comprised of a will, trust, financial power of attorney and/or healthcare power of attorney and designation of patient advocate.
A will or trust will address distribution of your assets upon death. A t Continue reading
Powers of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designations
Powers of Attorney and Patient Advocate Designations
By: Danelle E. Harrington
For most people, a power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning tools available. A power of attorney is a legal document which allows a person (the “principal”) to appoint ano Continue reading