So how do you know if your estate plan is out-of-date? If your will or trust predates these four key “freshness dates,” it may be time to visit your attorney for a review. Estate plans are not meant to be a one-time deal. If life changes – or the law…
At Hospice of Anchorage, end of life planning is what clinical director Alison O'Donnell encourages. Having advanced directives, or a living will, and a power of attorney in place is a gift to family, she said. Near retirees all over the country are starting to think about downsizing for retirement.…
Actually the trusts are Crummey trusts named after one D. Clifford Crummey who won a decision in the Ninth Circuit in 1968, when I was just a high school lad. Israel and Erna Mikel were just in Tax Court showing how powerful the Crummey power can be as they used…
“We are delighted to inform the public that the court has appointed Bobby Brown and Pat Houston as co-guardians of Bobbi Kristina Brown (‘Krissi’),” read a statement issued by David Long-Daniels, counsel for Pat Houston and Cissy Houston, and Christopher Brown, an attorney for Bobby Brown. “Both Mr. Brown and…
There are several corners of your financial life that can be simplified through consolidation. If you feel like your finances are all over the place and hard to manage, you just need to take a moment to de-clutter and get a system going. Also, it’s ok to ask for help!…
Most of us don’t want to just enjoy our retirement and have enough money for old age, but to leave something behind as well. But what's the best way to do that? Should you leave an inheritance, or give your money away while you're still around? Let’s take a look…
No will? If you are married with young children and both parents die who becomes the children’s guardian will be up to the state’s court system. If you do not have a will, Texas estate laws and the probate judge may decide who will get your assets if you die.…
Rubin Frels is considered by some as the "godfather of movies in South Texas." Although he has been dead for almost a year, the prominent Victoria businessman's estate is still being legally contested by two of his longtime associates, Brad Richards and Gary Dunnam. The Victoria (TX) Advocate has reported…
"Everyone of majority age needs at the least a will, a health care directive and a named power of attorney," says Mike Sena, a certified financial planner with White Street Advisors, a money management firm. "The express purpose of estate planning is to make things as easy, as inexpensive and…
Few people get excited about doing estate planning, even though they might recognize the importance of leaving a legacy for their children and grandchildren. If you want to be smart about making gifts to your loved ones, though, there are some things you should consider before just writing a check.…