A power of attorney is an overlooked and under-loved document . . . with all the potential of saving your posterior and avoiding a Class A Mess-up! Even if you DO have a power of attorney it may not have what it takes to avoid the Unpleasantness I just referred … Continue Reading
Answer: It Depends
Recently a client asked me for my thoughts on Wills versus trusts. Wouldn't she have been surprised if I answered, "I really don't have any; whatever the client feels like." Of course, that is NOT the case. I am a lawyer, after all.
In this article I'll … Continue Reading
Vacation property and “second homes” – whether in the mountains or at the beach – present a number of legal and tax planning opportunities.
A little secret: Most of what you'll read here also applies to your residence.
Avoid Probate With A Trust
First, consider probate … Continue Reading
Many people make big mistakes titling bank and investment accounts. Often advisors and bankers advise customers to “put your child’s name on the account” or to set the account up as a “pay on death” (or “POD”) account. However well-intentioned the advice, the results of either … Continue Reading
Lately I have written a number of difficult posts that relate to trusts. A reader asked me why I hadn’t written anything that simply explains what a trust is. I was surprised to see that I hadn’t, so . . . .
First, let me set this up. I’m going to start with trusts and pickup … Continue Reading