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Recent Blog Posts
Avoiding Probate by Use of Trusts and Beneficiary Designations
A significant mental block in estate planning can be the belief that you need to create an all-in-one document — ominously known as a last will and testament — that directs how all your property will be distributed upon your death. But the truth is that there are simpler arrangements you can make to give […]
Why a Buy-Sell Agreement Is Vital for Your Small Business
A buy-sell agreement is a contract that establishes the terms and conditions for transferring business ownership interests in case of the retirement, disability, death or voluntary exit of a partner or shareholder or in case of another triggering event. Such an agreement can be essential to ensuring the viability of a small business and protecting […]
Tips for Keeping Your Home Purchase on Track
Purchasing a home is an exciting and significant milestone, especially when it’s your first. However, home-buying can be complex and can involve pitfalls that can delay or derail the transaction’s closing. As a buyer, you have certain contractual obligations to fulfill, and there are other steps you can take to help make the closing occur […]
Planning for Long-Term Assisted Living and Nursing Care
Seven out of 10 people in the U.S. will require long-term care in their lifetime. This includes help with activities and tasks that a person can no longer perform on their own, such as eating, bathing, dressing and attending to personal health. Whether your eventual need for long-term care results from aging, illness or an […]
Living Trusts Are Powerful Tools To Be Used With Caution
Living trusts are sometimes talked about as though they are the ultimate solution to every estate planning goal. It is certainly true that a living trust — which is simply a trust created and funded while you are alive — can help you accomplish a wide variety of things. But there is no silver bullet […]
Key Aspects of the CARES Act Provisions Authorizing Small Business Loans
Small business owners are necessarily prepared for various types of challenges, but what do you do when the government orders you to close for an indefinite amount of time? Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has put millions in this very difficult position. Even worse, it is still unclear in many places when authorities will allow businesses […]
Understanding How COVID-19 May Have Affected the Value of Your Estate
The economic and personal upheaval triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to warrant a review of your estate plan, no matter how thorough you think it is. As Americans cope with health fears and financial volatility, it’s worthwhile to determine whether a will, trust, advance medical directive or other legal instrument needs to be […]
Avoid Family Strife with the Proper Documentation
Times are hard. Many of our adult children come home to get back on their feet. Many of our clients want to help their family and friends by loaning money or guaranteeing and/or co-signing a loan. This can cause a disaster. Don’t Assume Anything. When adult children come home, there needs to be a “plan” that everybody […]
What is “Bitcoin” and how do I include it in my Will or on my Taxes
Bitcoin is legally known as cryptocurrency. It is an Internet Asset. As the world expands and “real” life becomes intertwined with the internet, more and more people are going to have internet assets. One of the most popular forms of internet assets is cryptocurrency, for example, “Bitcoin.” Cryptocurrency actually refers to a code with a unique number […]
Dementia and Driving Liability
It is natural for a person to go through certain physical and psychological changes as part of the aging process. This can include worsening eyesight, slowed reaction time, poor night vision, and in some cases a decline in cognitive ability. As you notice these changes in your loved ones as they age, you may become […]
