Category Archives: Estate Planning
Financial Plan. Tax Plan. Legacy Plan. Estate Plan. How many plans do I need?!
Most folks have at least heard of an estate plan. But fewer realize that a simple will is not enough to prepare for your future. In fact, a combination of plans – financial plan, tax plan, legacy plan, and estate plan – are vital to your financial well-being and protection of your assets and… Read More »
3 Critical Documents to Update After Divorce
A divorce can be heartbreaking, emotional, overwhelming or even liberating, depending on the individual’s prospective. However, the work does not end once the divorce decree is signed. In order to ensure that your assets and estate planning wishes are carried out in light of this major life change, there are three critical documents to… Read More »
The Hidden Risks of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
With automation an artificial intelligence (AI) disrupting every sector of the economy, it is not surprising that the legal profession is feeling the impact as well. Today, there are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and cost-effective… Read More »
I’m Not Married. Do I Still Need an Estate Plan?
Approximately half of America’s population over the age of 16 is unmarried. While much of the discussion involving estate planning focuses on married couples, this topic is just as important for a single person. In fact, many times estate planning for singles and unmarried couples may be even more important than for their married… Read More »
How a Pet Trust Protects Your Pet if You Die (UPDATED: October 2019)
If you ask several pet owners if they have a pet trust for their furry family member(s), most will admit that they don’t even know what a pet trust is, much less have one set up. But whether you are planning to adopt a new pet or already have one (or several), it is… Read More »
4 Keys to Smart Estate Planning for Small Business Owners
Preparing your company for your incapacity or death is vital to the survival of the enterprise. Otherwise, your business will be disrupted, harming your customers, employees, vendors, and ultimately, your family. For this reason, proactive planning – including your business and your estate plan – is key. Below are some tips on business and… Read More »
Is Estate Planning Still Necessary With the Trump Tax Cuts?
Now that Tax Day 2018 is in the rear-view mirror for many Americans, a question many of them will have to reckon with moving forward, is estate planning still necessary with the Trump Tax Cuts? The Tax Cut and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Trump in 2017. The new tax law… Read More »
4 Ways to Avoid Guardianship
What is a guardianship, and when is it necessary? In Maryland, a guardianship is usually defined as a protective legal proceeding for someone who is incapacitated or disabled and unable to manage his/her own financial and/or medical affairs. Incapacitated, as it relates to an adult, means that an individual is no longer able to… Read More »
Alzheimer’s Disease 101: What You Need to Know to Be Prepared
(Updated November 2021) November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. In 1983, then-President Ronald Reagan made November the designated month for National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Then fewer than 2 million Americans were diagnosed with this devastating illness that then and now destroys the lives of the people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the families who… Read More »
Yes, You Do Need an Advance Directive. Here’s Why.
Most of us don’t like to think about the possibility of something harmful happening to us or a loved one. Because of this, we rarely think about how to protect ourselves and our loved ones if the worst were to happen. However, just as it is important to buy homeowner’s insurance to protect your… Read More »
