Think of an estate plan as a love letter to your family after you have passed. You’d be surprised at how many people you know don’t have a will or an estate plan in place. They may be among the many who have an unspoken belief that if they don’t…
While the number of people making New Year’s financial resolutions are on the rise, we would do well to make a midyear financial check a regular part of the summer season. The good news is more than 30% of Americans did give some thought to making financial resolutions this past…
Moving a lifetime of possessions in or out of the country is one thing, but moving money from country to country without losing it takes a new kind of financial planner. Whether you are retiring to a small cottage in the Cotswolds or coming home after a career that kept…
The old adage is right—a second marriage is indeed the triumph of hope over experience. Add estate planning to keep that hope—and peace in the family—intact. It’s a delicate balance to hold: preserving assets for children from a first marriage and—at the same time—ensuring that your new spouse will have…
The cost of long-term care can take a huge bite out of retirement savings, exhaust family resources and create strain on relationships. Don’t count on Medicare, but do plan in advance. At least seven out of ten Americans age 65 and over will need long-term care at some point. Most…
Far too many parents are stunned to learn that healthcare providers and colleges are by law not permitted to speak with them about their children without the correct documents in place. That long-awaited, bittersweet moment has finally arrived: your children are headed off to college. They are now adults—and likely…
Passing your home to your heirs can occur in a number of ways, depending upon your situation and your family. It’s not a do-it-yourself project—even in the simplest cases. If you own a home and want to leave it to your loved ones, there are steps you need to take…
by Leonard M. Roth, Board Certified Family Law Specialist Unfortunately, divorce is a life-changing event for married couples of all ages. My grandparents divorced after 65 years of marriage. There are critical factors to consider when divorce happens in your older years. Texas is one of nine community property states.…
A dramatic increase in the number of adults with developmental disabilities, coupled with their increasing life spans, presents planning challenges for parents. Special needs families are accustomed to things being more complicated, and retirement planning is no exception. Parents must plan for their own retirement as well as ensure that…
A legislative change made the use of trusts less necessary for most Americans, but there are still many situations where this planning tool is the best option. When the American Taxpayer Relief Act became law, the $5 million exemption and the new rules on portability of the exemption for married…