Why Timeshares Pose Challenges for Beneficiaries and Trustees

Timeshares often come with the promise of vacation luxury and convenience, but they can turn into a burden when passed down to beneficiaries or managed by trustees. What initially seemed like a carefree way to enjoy annual getaways can become a source of financial and logistical headaches for those who inherit or oversee these properties. […]
Nationwide Injunction Halts Corporate Transparency Act: What It Means for Businesses

In a significant development, a federal court in Texas has issued a nationwide injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), temporarily suspending the requirement for businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) before January 1, 2024. This decision has created a ripple of uncertainty for small businesses and corporate entities that were preparing to […]
DIY Estate Planning

I’m all for a good do it yourself project. I recently refinished a coffee table and attempted to make a slipcover for the chair my cat destroyed. But I wouldn’t recommend doing your estate plan yourself. I might be a tad biased considering I am an estate planning attorney, but the chances of making a […]
Newly Married: The Pros and Cons of Maintaining Separate Property

The decision to keep assets separate may be guided by a number of personal values. Common reasons to maintain separate property include a desire to protect assets from possible loss in divorce, maintain financial independence from a spouse, control the flow of inheritance, or to have general autonomy in relation to assets that belonged to […]
Estate Planning: A Road Map

Imagine that you are about to take a road trip to somewhere you have never been before. You may have a general idea of where you going but you don’t have a map. Now imagine that you have to drive the car while you are grieving, overwhelmed or confused. You may have family members along […]
When To Step Up For A Parent
There are many signs that a parent needs help. Financial indicators include overdue utility bills or disruption in utility services. Bounced checks or undeposited income checks laying around the house also show a lack of financial engagement that may indicate financial danger. Engagement in scams or lack of awareness around charitable giving can both show […]
Early Interventions In Elder Support
Start small. We tend to be creatures of habit who guard our autonomy and household habits fiercely. Its much easier to slowly introduce supports rather than waiting until a huge need has developed, which can feel like a hostile take over. For obvious reasons, waiting for the big intervention will often meet stubborn resistance. Having […]
How To Introduce The Topic Of Elder Care
Tell a parent or friend you care, you are here to help, and want to be a part of an ongoing dialogue about their changing needs. Acknowledge past help they’ve given you and express a desire to return the favor. Find a way to frame the issue that is positive, focused on strengths rather than […]
Nobody’s Perfect
If you are a parent you are probably willing to admit that you are not always perfect. This is a good thing to keep in mind when you are contemplating who would take care of your minor children if something were to happen to and your spouse. No parent wants to imagine this scenario, but […]
Health Care Directives-What’s the Difference?
An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) is always part of the estate plans I create for clients, regardless of the individual’s age or health status. An AHCD lets you name another person (a health care agent) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself. It also allows […]