If a person executes a will in a foreign country and later immigrates to the U.S., chances are good they might begin to doubt whether their will would be honored by our legal system in the event of their demise.While this uncertainty makes sense given the very...
Wills
How parents with adult children can keep the peace with their estate plan — II
Last time, we began discussing how rather than fostering a sense of closeness and unity, the passing of a parent can sometimes serve to sow considerable discord -- and even result in legal disputes -- among siblings once it comes time to address the issue of dividing...
How parents with adult children can keep the peace with their estate plan
While people might be inclined to think the passing of a parent would serve to bring adult children closer together, united perhaps in their grief and fond remembrances, this often does not prove to be the case.Indeed, experts indicate that a parent's death can...
Why an estate plan makes sense for young adults, too
Our readers in their 20s, 30s and even 40s may feel like they are too young for an estate plan. They may still be single, childless or both, and still at the start of their careers. And admit it: the idea of dying so young seems almost impossible, doesn’t it?The...
Uptick in nontraditional families changes estate planning
There was a time when upon death, it was expected that the assets of the deceased would be left to their spouse or children. While some people of course do still take this course of action, as the makeup of families has changed, so too has how people disburse their...
Have you taken steps to account for your digital assets?
While people previously went to the bank to complete financial transactions or walked into a brick-and-mortar store to purchase goods, today many of these types of transactions are completed via the Internet. From banking and investment accounts to frequent flyer and...
Don’t forget about your ‘stuff’ when planning your estate
If you are at home right now while reading this, look around the room. Chances are that there are things all over your house that hold value -- either sentimental value or monetary value. That’s why you don’t want to forget about your personal property...
Are Americans changing their views about leaving inheritances?
Is there a generational shift in attitudes about estate planning? According to a recent survey, nearly one-quarter of Americans are saving less, preferring to spend their savings in retirement instead of passing it on to their children.What does that data mean to...
Is your financial adviser in sync with your estate attorney?
With the increasing specialization of careers, individuals who are creating an estate plan may already have relationships with other professionals, such as an accountant, financial advisor and/or insurance representative. However, is the advice offered by those...
Where do self-prepared wills or trusts fall short?
A do-it-yourself approach seems to be highly regarded in our culture. From home improvement projects to online tutorials and courses, Americans like to empower themselves to success.That spirit also resonates with our attorneys, who focus on estate law. We encourage...
