What is a Will? A Will is only effective when you pass on. It forces you into probate court. It is public record showing who inherits, how they inherit, and how much. The Administrative Office of the Courts tell us that the average administrative time is between 18 and 24 months from the time the... [Read More]
Category: Wills
Bonus Material: Family Conflict in Estate Planning for Today’s Family
There is so much Family Conflict that I have seen over time when dealing with client’s Estate Plans. I had planned to limit the subject to 5 Blogs, but thought it was important to add in these important thoughts for your consideration. If any of these areas relate to your personal Estate Plan, make sure... [Read More]
I Don’t Want To Be A Burden
“I don’t want to be a burden” is a phrase I often hear from my Estate Planning clients. They don’t want to be a burden to their family or loved ones. They have seen how other seniors, whether they are friends or family, have been burdens to other family members who have taken on the... [Read More]
Change of Seasons
Beautiful colorful leaves are still hanging on many trees. Days and nights are cooler. It has been raining here in Western North Carolina. The lights of the day are shorter. Even on the clock, we have “fallen back” one hour. Fall is definitely here. The long warm days of summer with the bright green leaves... [Read More]
Lamar Odum has no Advanced Directives and an Almost Ex-Wife making the Decisions
Former NBA player Lamar Odum remains hospitalized and has come off of life support after a drug overdose. He was in a coma for 3 days. He remains on dialysis. He has no Advanced Directives – Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Wills or Healthcare Designation. Further, he is still married to a Reality TV personality... [Read More]
Strange Days
It’s been confirmed that Russian military rockets were used to shoot down a commercial airliner over Ukraine this past summer. Russian troops, including heavy weapons and fighter jets are in Syria working on behalf of Assad and his brutal regime. Playboy will stop publishing nude photos. Anheuser-Busch bought Miller Beer. Strange days. Few people could... [Read More]
More Storms of Life
We in North and South Carolina just went through heavy Storms, including heavy rains, over the past several days. Here in Western North Carolina we have been having rain off and on for more than ten (10) days. That was followed by very heavy rain over this past weekend. This rain has led to rivers... [Read More]
Family Disputes Over Inheritance
One thing I have seen that is a very uncomfortable situation is where a parent leaves all of their assets to the Stepparent of their Adult Children. That Stepparent then has an estate liquidation sale selling all of the personal effects of their spouse. The adult children had to go to a public auction to... [Read More]
It Moves by Title
While trying to advise a woman who is the only child and heir of her unmarried father who will not meet with an Estate Attorney, a number of issues have come up. He keeps telling her “I put a note with the item which says you get it. That means it automatically goes to you”.... [Read More]
What We Really Fear in Our Estate Plan
Many clients come into the office concerned more about the delay, costs and publicity of Probate Court, or potential tax issues. But as they start to open up about their real concerns about leaving inheritance, the concerns are about what if they become mentally disabled? What if their spouse remarries – will their assets go... [Read More]