You have rented that perfect vacation rental car online. You were able to get a great deal for only $45 a day for unlimited mileage. You thought everything was all set. I did when my wife Emily and I went …
Currently browsing General
Online Life Continues Long After Death
If you were to die tomorrow, do you know what would happen to your online accounts? Like many other areas of the law the answer is, it depends. It depends on whether your survivors have user names, passwords or legal …
Legal Issues with Veterans Benefits
You or a loved one may be a veteran, spouse or dependent who qualifies for veterans benefits. There are a multitude of persons out there who claim to be able to help you apply for VA benefits. But whom do …
Your Pet’s Life Without You
You have a pet. Fifi your French poodle or Puff your cat has become part of your family. You couldn’t imagine what it would be like not having your pet. But, have you ever thought about what Fifi or Puff’s …
Buyer Beware When Purchasing Vacation Jewelry
You and your spouse go on a cruise for your honeymoon or major anniversary. It is a wonderful trip through the Caribbean. At one of your ports-of-call, you have a few hours for a land excursion. You decide to go …
Do It Yourself Plans & Bad Advice Can Wreak Havoc
If you are like 70% of Americans, you have no formal estate plan. However, you may have attempted to do your own estate planning with joint ownership, beneficiary designations or quit claim deeds after receiving free advice from others. Although …
Probate Avoidance 101
I regularly have people come into my office and say “My estate is simple” and think that not much work will be involved in planning their estate. Their estate plan is usually anything but simple. What you may think is …
Professional Fee Abuse Five – Fee Estate Planner
I received a call from a friend of mine a few weeks back. He said “Matt, I have an idea for a column. You should talk about all those attorneys who rip off estates and trusts. You may not be …
Them Pesky Beneficiaries NO GREEDY DAUGHTERS
You have been named and are now acting as personal representative of mom or dad’s estate or trustee of their trust. You are a fiduciary, who is someone who handles funds or property of another. You have a fiduciary duty …
Planning For Charitable Gifts
If you are like most people, you are charitably minded and regularly support your favorite charities. However, have you ever thought about what happens to those charities after you are no longer around to make your annual gifts? After your …