Apr 17, 2019 | Estate Planning
You love your pup. You take him for walks on his favorite park trail, feed him the food the vet recommended and brush him daily to make sure his fur doesn’t mat. You know exactly how to keep him healthy and happy; but what if something happened to you? Who would take...
Jan 31, 2019 | Trusts & Probates
I will admit that, living in sometimes frigid Cleveland, I am envious of those who have property out of state – especially in warmer climates like Florida or Arizona! However, having out of state property comes with challenges when the owner passes. Every county in...
Nov 21, 2018 | Trusts & Probates
I am hoping that most of you reading this already have prepared (and signed) a Will, Power of Attorney and maybe even a Trust document. A question I always get from my clients is: now what do I do with these documents? If you are having the same questions, this...
Nov 21, 2018 | Trusts & Probates
As an estate planning attorney, I find that there are many misconceptions about trusts. The biggest misconception is that trusts are only for the wealthy. This unfortunately is just not true and almost every single trust I have prepared are for reasons having...
Nov 21, 2018 | Trusts & Probates
Many different assets, whether it be life insurance, an IRA, bank account, etc., allow for a beneficiary to be named. A beneficiary is an individual, or a trust, that will receive this asset upon your death. The beneficiary has no ownership rights during your...
Nov 21, 2018 | Guardianship
No one ever wants to think about their own death or funeral, but one of the best things you can do for your survivors is to pre-plan, and, if possible, pre-pay for your funeral. When you do not pre-plan or pre-pay, then clearly it is up to your family or friends to do...
Nov 21, 2018 | Trusts & Probates
It is true that a typical probate administration of an estate takes a little over a year from start to finish. But, if an estate is small, Probate can be done in six (6) weeks or less! This depends upon when the decedent passed, who paid funeral expenses and who are...
Nov 21, 2018 | Estate Planning
Sadly, divorce is all too common in our society. This process can be so painful and often results in the former couple having negative and angry feelings towards their exes. Once all property is split, new homes are established and parenting plans are implemented,...
Nov 21, 2018 | Estate Planning
I often get the question, when does my Will or Power of Attorney expire? Estate planning documents such as these do not just expire at a certain time, unless the document specifically states otherwise. So, these documents are valid until revoked, rewritten or upon...
Nov 21, 2018 | Estate Planning, Trusts & Probates
When I meet with clients to discuss their estate planning or when counseling a family after the passing of a loved one, the topic of taxes normally arises. Most clients assume that there will be a huge tax bill that needs to be paid, however, many clients are...
