Lauren on the Law

We are living in unprecedented times right now. Over the last few weeks, I have been getting asked questions about how to plan around the Coronavirus pandemic. This post provides advice on what individuals and families should be doing and thinking about to prepare for the unimaginable.

In 1984, Congress issued a resolution, signed by President Reagan, establishing March 21st as National Single Parent Day: a day devoted to recognizing the dedication of single parents, who make self-sacrificial efforts to care for their children’s needs, and encouraging family members, friends, and communities to help provide an optimal environment for their children. As a single parent, you should feel proud of your efforts to nurture and care for your children. Read this article to learn about a few additional things you can do to provide for your children’s future that you may not have considered.

Those of us who work sometimes feel that we are doing our children a disservice. Sure, we bring home a paycheck that benefits our children, but we may miss their activities and other aspects of their daily lives. This can be especially true in two-earner families. But in addition to greater financial security, our jobs provide opportunities for our children to learn many other life skills that they can use throughout their lives.

Unfortunately, a startling 79% of millennials do not have basic estate plans in place. Your needs and goals may vary, but having an estate plan in place is crucial for every adult, including millennials. You do not know what the future holds, and we can help you make sure that plans are in place that not only provide for your own future needs but also those of your loved ones and pets.

We wish you the happiest of holidays. May you be captivated by the magic of the season and filled with hope in the new year!

Being asked by a family member or close friend to serve as trustee for their trust upon their death can be an incredible honor. At the same time, however, serving as a trustee can be a massive responsibility—and the role is not for everyone. Click on this link to learn if you should take on this role.

Estate Planning Awareness Week is a great opportunity not only to take steps to make sure your own estate plan is up to date, but also to talk to your family members--especially elderly parents--about creating an estate plan. Estate planning is often a difficult topic to broach, as it brings the unpleasant topics of aging and death to the forefront of our minds. However, creating a proper estate plan can also provide significant peace of mind for your family members by ensuring their life savings are protected, plans are in place in the event they become ill, and their property is passed down according to their wishes. Read this post for a few tips to help you start the conversation.

There are several reasons why you should update your existing trust or perhaps your entire estate plan. While estate planning documents do not necessarily have a shelf life, they may not fulfill your goals when your circumstances change. Of course, having estate planning documents that are up-to-date is critical, but how do you know when you should make changes?

Let us help you make sure that none of these events unfold. We’re here to guide you every step of the way through creating and maintaining a timely, robust, and strategic estate plan. Give us a call today to make sure your plan is current and includes all the necessary provisions to keep a contest from occurring in the future.

Consider these three asset protection tips to ensure creditors won't go after your hard-earned money.

The divorce process can be long and expensive. However, the work does not end once the divorce decree is signed. In order to ensure that your assets and estate planning wishes are carried out in light of this major life change, there are three things you must do as soon as possible.

Consider these three liability planning tips for physicians to protect their hard-earned money.

Here's a checklist of documents and items you should bring to your initial consultation with your new estate planning attorney.

Many people think having just a Will is a sufficient estate plan. However, what most people don't realize is that their Will only goes into effect upon that person's death. What if you become incapacitated? Do you have a plan in place? If not, a conservator may need to be appointed to manage your financial affairs during your incapacity.

A new child is a welcome addition to the family. Taking care of this precious child means ensuring your financial and personal affairs are in order in the event of your death or incapacity.

It's wonderful you have an estate plan. Now, it's up to you to ensure that estate plan fits your current financial and personal circumstances.

Tax Day is just around the corner. Don't make these 4 mistakes when filing your taxes.