Blog: Estate Planning
What happens to your Facebook Account when you Die?
In the last two years, there have been plenty of articles and blog posts written about this topic. Unfortunately, it does not seem like we’ve come very far in answering the question. Facebook and Twitter still do not allow family members access to a deceased...
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do? Fifteen years ago today, one of the most precious people in my life passed away - my Nana, Elsie Gonzalez. I adored my grandmother and have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her. She was always around while I was...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you? Continued.
"Fiscal Cliff" legislation - what does it mean to you? Last month, I discussed the tax rate changes and the estate tax exemptions under the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. You should also be aware that the payroll tax holiday will not be extended meaning that...
Florida Homestead Law: Your Florida homestead is your castle – or is it?
Florida Homestead Law Many of my ideas for blog posts come from the phone calls and emails I receive from potential clients about legal questions they have concerning their estate planning, Florida Homestead Law, Medicaid issues for their parents, probate concerns,...
Gun Ownership & Estate Planning
I recently read an article by Mark Albertson entitled "Estate Planning for Gun Owners" which I think is mandatory reading for anyone who owns a gun. I have had quite a few people over the last year contact me inquiring about a "gun trust" and how they could go about...
What does the “fiscal cliff” legislation mean to you?
[pullquote_left] Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you've been hearing about the "fiscal cliff" and how our government waited until the very last minute to pass any meaningful legislation to avert us from this "cliff". [/pullquote_left] Unless you have been...
Discussing Estate Planning Around the Holidays with Elderly Family Members
The holidays are always time to be with family and enjoy each other’s company. Many of us travel great distances to see relatives whom we may only get to see once or twice a year. We visit with our parents and grandparents and listen to stories of past holidays and...
Avoiding Probate – everyone’s doing it, or are they?
I’ve written about this topic previously (see my post from March, 2012 – Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Probate) but I feel it needs to be addressed more in-depth because I have many clients that come to me with the same questions. Avoiding Probate Most people tell me they...
Who do I name in my estate planning documents? Decisions, Decisions
Who do I name in my estate planning documents? The hardest decision for some (once they’ve decided to do their estate planning) is who to name in the documents to make decisions. Who do you want to name as the personal representative (also commonly referred to as the...
Top 7 Elder Law, Senior Care Experts to Follow on Twitter
I thought it would be fun to create my own list of top Elder Law and Senior Care related twitter feeds that I enjoy following. These are people that I follow from around the country who are the top in their field of law or who have business that help the elderly. ...
Top 10 Reasons People Don’t Do Their Estate Planning
They are intimidated by the process. Estate planning does not have to be intimidating – you just need to know what to expect. Most attorneys will have you fill out a questionnaire that lists your assets and liabilities and asks you questions like, “Who do you want to...
Making End of Life Decisions
Making End of Life Decisions Whenever I talk to people about creating a living will (which outlines important health care decisions that you want – and, not to be confused with a Last Will and Testament, which specifies who you want to inherit your assets and who will...
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples
Estate Planning for LGBT couples Estate planning for “non-traditional” families is a very relevant topic and one that I do not think gets enough attention. Same-sex couples have the same estate planning needs as do opposite-sex couples – probably more so, than...
Estate planning after a Divorce
So, you’ve gone through a divorce (and it’s probably taken an emotional toll) and you are thankful that the process is over….or is it? Prior to your divorce, you and your spouse may have taken the time to do your estate planning. Or perhaps you had listed your...
The 3 most important documents every parent should have for their college-bound teenager
Don’t you love that Office Depot jingle where the father is all excited because it’s time to go shopping for school supplies and get the children back to school? It always makes me laugh. It’s also an exciting time for those parents who have children about to go to...