Protect Your Family With an Estate Plan Overview In the event of incapacitation or death (God forbid), it is important that you have named who will control your health and finances and who will raise your children (if you’re a parent). If you don’t have an estate plan, your assets may be distributed through the…
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Question: What is a Living Will? Answer: a Living Will is a healthcare document that specifies your wishes in an end-of-life situation. Not to be confused with a Last Will and Testament which disposes of a person’s property after passing, a Living Will tells a person’s loved ones and medical professionals their wishes regarding medical…
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I am 25, single, no kids, just finished law school—meaning I have little to zero assets of my own, and recently began working for Neal Law Firm. With all of this in mind, it would seem pointless to have an estate plan, right? Wrong. The absolute best scenario—and one that I pray for—is that I…
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Now that the holidays have wound down and life is returning to normal, it’s time to get down to the business of those New Year’s resolutions. Most years it’s the same: have a better diet, exercise more, save more money and finally do your estate and financial planning. Getting your estate and financial plan in…
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If you already have an estate plan, congratulations! You have taken a big step to protecting yourself and your family. However, many people make the unfortunate mistake of putting their estate plan in a drawer and forgetting about it. It is important to remember that an estate plan involves the most important things in your…
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This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2013! In 2008, the National Associate of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC) worked with Congress to pass a resolution to proclaim the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. The resolution stated “Many Americans are unaware that lack of estate planning and financial…
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There is a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy so they can minimize their tax liabilities. While this is one part of estate planning, it is certainly not the only part. Even if someone isn’t wealthy or concerned about taxes, there are a number of important non-tax reasons why everyone should…
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Changes are coming as five million baby boomers are turning 65 every year for the next 15 years. Experts have predicted changes affecting the economy, housing, our social structure, recreational activities and health care services for an aging population that will continue to grow. And baby boomers have different expectations about their “golden years” than…
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Question: Someone told me I should have a power of attorney. I don’t know what that is. Do I need one? Answer: You should have a power of attorney. There are different types, but the basic concept of a power of attorney is you (the “principal) giving decision making authority to someone else you pick…
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Estate planning for young adults might strike some as unnecessary, but that is far from the truth. Estate Planning for Young Adults is Critical Although it may surprise some people, once a child turns 18 their parents lose the legal ability to make decisions for their child and find out basic information. A parent learning…
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Before taking any trip, most people create a “to-do list” of things they have put off and want to take care of before they leave. Here is a checklist of estate planning things everyone should do before taking your next trip. Getting these things done will help you travel with peace of mind, knowing that…
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Question: I’ve heard of a Will, Last Will and Testament and Living Will. What’s the difference? Answer: Good question. There are two different types of “Will” documents. The most common one that people think of is a Last Will and Testament (casually referred to as a Will). A Last Will and Testament serves a number…
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