Estate Planning For ‘Split-Level’ Families
Many people need to rethink their families' financial future as a result of second marriages or later-in-life pregnancies. Whether they have the same parents or not, a significant age difference between siblings is now termed a ‘split- level’ family. ‘Split-level’...
Why Women Must Become Financially Empowered and Secure
The life you live can become difficult emotionally and financially after your spouse passes. It can become even more daunting, if there was never a frank discussion about the family’s estate and financial planning. You need to ask questions now, to avoid additional...
Vacation Homes Need Careful Planning
Here in the mountains of North Carolina and Georgia, we have watched many new families enjoying their newly purchased vacation homes. Thankfully, they have enjoyed a relatively peaceful season. However, as the summer winds down, the reality of second home ownership...
Naming Minors as Beneficiaries
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren but naming a minor as a beneficiary can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t involve leaving assets directly to a minor. There are two main problems with...
For Women and Those Who Love Them
All women, married, widowed, divorced, or single; homemakers, caregivers, professionals, or business owners need to understand estate planning and have a plan of their own in place. As a result, there is an increased need to plan for physical and/or mental incapacity...
Say NO to Joint Ownership, Especially Now
Many people believe an ‘easy’ way to avoid probate or to enable their children to assist them as they get older is to add their child’s name to their bank accounts or to the deed to their home. While this strategy may work in certain situations, there are many reasons why this approach is not recommended.
Sentimental Possessions May Create Conflict
Unlike financial assets, which can generally be divided easily amongst heirs, tangible personal property is unique. The complexity of distributing a lifetime’s worth of possessions is something many people overlook. Families have been torn apart over everything from...
Making Changes In Challenging Times
In these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, estate planning can be at the forefront of ensuring that clients and their loved ones are protected
Role Reversal During Pandemic
The role reversal between parent and child isn’t easy. Many children, during the Covid pandemic assumed the role of caregivers, to protect their parents from financial predators and assisting in the management of their finances, and daily chores. Additionally, some...