There are many circumstances that can impact an estate plan, not the least of which is your marital status. Spouses are granted a wide variety of rights to each other’s property in the event of death or divorce. While the laws do vary from state to state, there is often a...
In this computer age, when so many tasks are accomplished via the internet -- including banking, shopping, and important business communications -- it may seem logical to turn to the internet when creating a legal document such as a will. Certainly, there are several websites...
A thorough and complete estate plan must take into account a significant amount of information about your assets, your family, your property, and your wishes during and after your life. When you schedule your Personal Strategy Session at Lewis Kannegieter Law, Ltd. you are...
Becoming a new parent is a life changing experience, and caring for a child is an awesome responsibility as well as an amazing joy. Among the many things for new parents to do to provide for their children is to complete their own estate plan. This is the time to think about...
Although most people don’t like to think about it, death is inevitable. It’s imperative that you have an estate plan in place that outlines your end of life wishes and how you would like your assets distributed upon your passing. As part of your planning, it’s important that...
When someone dies without a will, it is known as dying intestate. In such cases, state law (of the state in which the person resides) governs how the person's estate is administered. In most states, the individual's assets are split -- with one third of the estate going to the...
Many people give to charity during their lives, but unfortunately too few Americans take advantage of the benefits of incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans. By planning ahead, you can save on income and estate taxes, provide a meaningful contribution to the...
You want your money and property to go to your loved ones when you die, not to the courts, lawyers or the government. Unfortunately, unless you’ve taken the proper estate planning steps your heirs could lose a sizable portion of their inheritance to probate court fees and...
In the unsettled time after a loved one’s death, imagine the added stress on the family if the loved one died without a will or any instructions on distributing his or her assets. Now, imagine the even greater stress to grieving survivors if they know a will exists but they...
As many can attest, going through a divorce can be a difficult experience and the process can become contentious. Even after the spouses reach a settlement, conflict may continue to arise, particularly when a parent fails to make the required child support payments. In these...
Estate planning is important for everyone. We simply don’t know when something tragic could happen such as sudden death or an accident that could leave us incapacitated. With proper planning, families who are dealing with the unexpected experience fewer headaches and less...
Let's face it: getting divorced can be an emotionally charged experience, particularly if the proceedings become contentious. One way to avoid the acrimony that can arise in a marital breakup is by pursuing an approach known as collaborative law divorce. Collaborative Law at a...