My work requires me to talk and think about death a lot. I call this "the business side of death," and I like to think I'm reasonably good at it. But "the emotional side of death," the grief part, is a whole different experience. I'm no better at that than anyone else.
Read MoreEstate planning can be intimidating for many reasons, but when your spouse/partner is not a U.S. Citizen, it can feel even more overwhelming. Keep reading for information on the three main scenarios for these couples.
Read MoreEstate planning isn't just about what happens to your family, loved ones, and property when you die. It's also about putting plans in place to allow others to help you during your life.
Read MoreYou've just finished your estate plan and you're feeling like celebrating, as you should be! It's certainly a good time to spend a few moments congratulating yourself on a nice bit of "adulting accomplished" (my grown-up version of "mischief managed"). But after you've taken that victory lap, don't forget your work isn't quite done yet...
Read MoreQUESTION: When should I rewrite my will?
ANSWER: It depends on what has changed in your life since it was first written. Keep reading to find out some of the most common times when revision is either a good idea or even necessary.
Read MoreWhile many emergency preparedness “to-dos” take time & money, here’s information on two extremely important ones that are free and doable right now.
Read MoreA safe deposit box (aka safety deposit box) is a great place to store valuable and/or important things, right? (Wondering, "what is a safe deposit box?" Click here.) Well, it depends (and yeah, it's totally fine to insert a groan here for this classic lawyer non-response).
Read MoreFirst things first:
How a Will is made and what is can (and cannot) do is controlled by state law.
Different states allow different types of Wills.
The Executor (or Executrix or Personal Representative) is the person (or people) you name in your Will who will be responsible for carrying out the terms of the document after you die. The exact duties vary from state to state, and can even vary within a state based on the specifications of different Wills. But, generally speaking, an Executor is responsible for things like:
Read MoreA note of introduction from Heather: Amber Sniff is a patient advocate in Durham, NC. She was an ICU and ER nurse for 10 years and now works to guide patients and their families through the health care system. Amber and I have had a number of conversations about her work now, as well as her experience as a nurse, and the interesting ways all of it intersects with my work as an estate planning attorney.
Read MoreWhy haven't you gotten your estate planning done yet? If your answer is "I don't know where to start," you're not alone.
Two bits of good news:
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