World Health Organization (WHO) named the novel coronavirus outbreak in 2019 on February 11, 2020. The coronavirus disease 2019 shortly after became known by its abbreviation, CO for corona, VI for a virus, D for disease, and 19 for the year of the … [Read more...] about Is Your Estate Plan Prepared for a Pandemic?
Estate Planning
Developing an Estate Plan for Unmarried Couples
Americans over 65 are experiencing divorce and widowhood at record rates, resulting in new partnerships. The US Census Bureau reports that more than half of all older adults have only married once, opting to stay legally single in their … [Read more...] about Developing an Estate Plan for Unmarried Couples
When a Beneficiary No Longer Lives, Who Inherits the Estate?
What happens to your inheritance if your beneficiary has passed away? You may be wondering whether if you leave property to your brother Jim, but he dies before you, would his kids inherit the property in his place? The answer is, only if your will … [Read more...] about When a Beneficiary No Longer Lives, Who Inherits the Estate?
Even if You Have a Will, Is That Enough?
In the United States, almost half of all adults lack a will. So if you've already drafted one to ensure your assets are protected and your beneficiaries are protected, congratulations are in order. While a will is a necessary document that every … [Read more...] about Even if You Have a Will, Is That Enough?
What a Creditor Can Do to Disrupt Probate
An executor is generally designated in a will to notify the public of the death date of a testamentary by posting the notice in a local newspaper. In part, this information serves as notice to creditors if the decedent has an outstanding debt with … [Read more...] about What a Creditor Can Do to Disrupt Probate
Planning an Estate for a Surviving Spouse
It is difficult to look past your grief after the loss of a spouse or long-time partner. However, it is crucial to understand there are important and timely decisions you need to make regarding your finances and personal estate plan. In truth, estate … [Read more...] about Planning an Estate for a Surviving Spouse
How Soon Should You Begin Receiving Social Security Benefits After Being Laid Off?
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans face risks that extend beyond becoming infected with COVID-19. If you are close to retirement age and recently lost your job, there is a good chance you may not find work again. The Great Recession … [Read more...] about How Soon Should You Begin Receiving Social Security Benefits After Being Laid Off?
Larry King: A Sad Legacy
Famous talk-show host Larry King was married to seven women and fathered five children. He died at age 87 on January 23, 2021, after contracting Covid and then succumbing to an infection. Immediately after his death, his estate went straight to … [Read more...] about Larry King: A Sad Legacy
Avoid the Pitfalls of Beneficiary Designations
t may seem simple to leave your property to your heirs. You make a will or a trust, you do a transfer-on-death deed for your real estate, you put your kids on your bank account, you designate beneficiaries for your life insurance and retirement … [Read more...] about Avoid the Pitfalls of Beneficiary Designations
Review Your Estate Plan Annually to Make Sure It Is Up-to-Date
Just like you should visit your doctor for a yearly check-up, you should review your estate planning documents annually to make sure they are up-to-date. Children grow up, marriages dissolve, property gets sold, residences change. That’s why we … [Read more...] about Review Your Estate Plan Annually to Make Sure It Is Up-to-Date
