Estate planning, elder law, family transitions, business planning – the legal issues that affect your family are always evolving. Jennifer writes regularly to keep you informed, educated, and empowered. Browse the latest articles below, or search by topic to find what you’re looking for.
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. Below are some steps you can take to make gifts to your heirs without triggering...
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 veterans, or their widows, to tax-free pension payments regardless of their...
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, unfortunately, nobody will know there is a problem until it is too late and you are...
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 surprises people who are going through the estate planning process for the first...
It is common for individuals beginning the estate planning process to assume it is best to have their adult children join them in the initial meeting with an estate planning attorney. Likewise many well-meaning adults want to help their aging parents get affairs in order by arranging the initial estate planning meeting. But is this always a good idea?...
Many grandparents who are financially set love the idea of making gifts to their grandchildren. However, they are usually not aware of the many issues related to what many consider to be a simple gift. If you are considering gifting a significant amount to your grandchildren, some things to consider are: Making a Lifetime Gift or a Bequest: Before making...
According to the National Census Bureau, grandparent-headed homes are among the fastest growing household types in the United States. Grandparent-headed homes are defined as living arrangements where the primary financial and caregiving responsibilities are held by one or more grandparents rather than a parent. In addition to grandparent-headed homes,...
Your children are in school, your spouse is out of state on business, and you get seriously injured in a car accident. What’s going to happen to your children? Do you have a plan to keep your family safe in the event something unexpected occurs during school hours? Many parents mistakenly believe that filling out the school’s emergency card is sufficient....
For parents considering estate planning, one of the most difficult decisions to make is choosing a guardian for their minor children. It is not easy to think about anyone else, no matter how loving, raising your child. But, as the famous quote goes: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” You cannot let a difficult decision prevent you from making a plan...
Preparing for the future is an uncertain business, but there are steps you can take during your lifetime to simplify matters for your loved ones after you pass, and to ensure your final wishes are carried out. Planning for what happens to your property, or who cares for your loved ones, upon your death can be a complicated process. The following list of...
“The sandwich generation” is the term given to adults who are raising children and simultaneously caring for elderly or infirm parents. Your children are one piece of “bread,” your parents are the other piece of “bread,” and you are “sandwiched” into the middle. Caring for parents at the same time as you care for your children, your spouse, and your job is...
The “ostrich syndrome” is part of human nature; it’s unpleasant to observe that which frightens us. However, pulling our heads from the sand and making preparations for frightening possibilities can provide significant emotional and psychological relief from fear. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, more Americans fear being...