We live in a society where most of us carry at least some debt, right up through the end of our life. So what happens to this debt after death? Are you one of many Americans concerned that, rather than inheriting wealth from a loved one, you will instead inherit bills? The good...
Marriage is a commitment, but in theory, it’s supposed to be a long and happy commitment. In order to give yourself the best chance at future marital bliss, you should have a frank “money matters” conversation with your partner-to-be before you tie the knot. Marrying someone...
Considering how you hold title to your real and personal property, as well as any beneficiary designations you have created, is a key piece to Total Estate Planning. The title and your designated beneficiaries will control how your real estate, bank accounts, retirement...
While the vast majority of adoptions involve adults adopting children, all states have laws that permit “adult adoption,” in which a person 18 or older is adopted by another adult as mutually agreed by the parties. Some states may restrict adult adoptions to cases where the...
In planning your estate, you most likely have concerned yourself with “big picture” issues. Who inherits what? Do I need a living trust? However, there are numerous details that are often overlooked, and which can drastically impact the distribution of your estate to your...
Filial responsibility laws impose a legal obligation on adult children to take care of their parents’ basic needs and medical care. Although most people are not aware of these laws, many states do have them (Minnesota is NOT one of them). Last I checked, 30 states in the U.S....
If you’re like most people, you want to make sure you and your loved ones pay the least amount of tax possible. Many use year-end gift giving as a way to transfer wealth to younger generations and also reduce the overall potential estate tax that will be due upon their death....
Regardless of how long you have been married, negotiating a settlement is the most important part of the divorce process. Although it is no easy task, working with your spouse to arrive at mutually agreed terms of your marital dissolution is easier on your wallet and your...
The Veterans’ Administration’s non-service connected pension program can help supplement the income of elderly or disabled veterans. The VA deems any veteran age 65 or older to be permanently and totally disabled. This “disabled” classification entitles senior citizens who are...
The recent proliferation of online estate planning document services has attracted many individuals to prepare their own estate documents in what appears to be a low-cost solution. However, this focus on price over value could mean your wishes will not be carried out and,...
Estate planning attorneys regularly receive inquiries from potential clients asking how much a ‘simple will’ costs. But a basic last will and testament cannot accomplish every goal of estate planning; and often cannot even accomplish the most common goals. This fact often...
Affidavits are a very common legal document. You may have signed several affidavits over the years, without fully knowing what they are. You might have signed one to register to vote or obtain some government benefit. An affidavit can also be used as evidence in a lawsuit....