Learn from the past, set vivid, detailed goals for the future, and live in the only moment of time over which you have any control: now.
– Denis Waitley
When children are involved in a divorce or separation, the best interests of the children should be of paramount importance in determining such issues as custody, child support and visitation agreements. And a court may appoint an attorney as a guardian ad litem, whose function is to represent the best interests of the children during […]
The tax filing deadline of April 15 has come and gone, a fact that serves as a reminder that same-sex couples should not neglect some estate-related tax matters. Among the most important benefits that same-sex couples will be able to realize under federal law is the spousal exemption from estate taxes. However, it is also
In tax season, married same-sex couples must not overlook key estate planning choices Read More »
You may wish to set up a guardianship for your children in the event that you and your spouse are unable to care for them. It is preferable that you name a guardian in your will because if you do not, and you suffer an untimely death, one will be appointed by the court. A
Factors to consider when establishing a guardianship Read More »
Estate administration concerns the collection and management of the assets of the decedent. It also involves payment of the decedent’s debts and distribution of assets to beneficiaries. The process of estate administration has been facilitated by the adoption of the Uniform Probate Code (UPC) by about 20 states. Probate is a legal process that involves
The process of estate administration Read More »
Most child custody cases can be resolved prior to going to trial. Negotiations between the parents and their attorneys or mediation, which is a form of alternate dispute resolution, can result in a parenting agreement, which is a written agreement outlining the couple’s decisions concerning all issues relevant to child custody and visitation. It is
Parenting agreements in child custody cases Read More »
During a divorce, issues often arise as to how assets are to be distributed. Specifically, you may have some concerns about how your or your spouse’s inheritance will be treated in divorce proceedings if the inheritance was acquired while you were still married. Upon your inheritance of assets acquired during marriage, the treatment of those
The treatment of inheritance in divorce Read More »
One of the most important issues an individual faces during his or her estate planning is the question of how that person’s loved ones will be cared for after the will writer dies, as well as what will happen to that person’s assets. Usually “loved ones” means children or other close relatives or friends, but
There are ways to provide for a pet through proper estate planning Read More »
An individual who is planning for their estate always wants to make sure that their will or trust will be valid in the courts and, in particular, that those estate-planning vehicles are not successfully challenged. The course of action that many people opt to take in order to avoid the latter outcome is to add
A no-contest clause can help prevent a court challenge to a will or trust Read More »
Much of estate planning, including the drafting of a will, involves preparing for different contingencies. One of the most important contingencies a person should make preparations for in a will is the possibility that the will writer may outlive one of his or her beneficiaries. One way to plan of this possibility is the naming
It is important for individuals to name alternate beneficiaries when drafting a will Read More »
One of the most important decisions many people must make during estate planning is how to leave an inheritance for their children. One of the more popular and reliable vehicles for bequeathing property to children is through trusts. The consequences of not making arrangements for the proper management of an underage child’s inheritance could turn
Trusts are a trusted way of ensuring that an inheritance passes to children as intended Read More »
