The Duties of a Trustee
You would like to help your friend Rose, who has asked you to be her trustee, but you are worried about all the duties that come with being a trustee. You would be managing Rose’s property for her and for…
The Fiduciary Responsibilities Explained
At some point in your life, you may be faced with a request to become a power of attorney for a friend or family member. Your person may be planning for when they might become unable to take care of…
Understanding Estate Planning
In the eyes of the law, an estate is the combined assets a person owns and is therefore not exclusively for wealthy individuals because most people own something. Property ownership includes individual as well as jointly owned bank accounts, stocks…
How Does a Power of Attorney Work?
The person you trust to manage your obligations when you are no longer capable, need to be chosen with care. A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and…
The Process of a Will Contest
When a loved one dies with a will, their will lays out who shall receive their property, and which person (called the executor) will be in charge of settling the estate. For many reasons, beneficiaries can feel slighted by what…
Larry King’s Upsetting Legacy
The legendary talk-show host, Larry King, married seven women and had five children with several of them. He died at age 87 on January 23, 2021, after contracting Covid and then succumbing to an infection. Immediately after his death, his…
What is Undue Influence?
When people, family members, become quite elderly or ill, they also become susceptible to manipulation from those who will defraud or steal. Targeted attacks on vulnerable older people to exert what attorneys deem "undue influence" constitutes elder abuse. It disrupts…
The Problem with DIY Planning
We hear this question all the time: “Can’t I just grab a will off the internet, do a transfer-on-death deed for my land, put my kids on my bank account, and be done with my estate plan?” It’s just not…
Why Do I Need a Trust?
This is a common question we hear. Read on for information to help figure out whether you need a trust and, if so, what kind fits your specific situation. For example, maybe you have a disabled child and you want…
Writing a Letter of Intent for your Special Needs Child
Writing a letter of intent (LOI) for your special needs child can help bring them family continuity and comfort after you are gone. As a parent, the most valuable asset your child has is you and your ability to care…