If you are considering an update to your estate plan or perhaps you are looking to engage in estate planning for the first time, you may be considering creating a Living Trust or a Revocable Trust. A Living Trust is a trust established and funded during your lifetime - it can serve a multitude of […]

A Supplemental Needs Trust (“SNT’) is a trust created for the benefit of a disabled individual to provide them with financial means without disrupting their eligibility for government benefits requiring limited resources and income like Medicaid and SSI.  There are essentially three types of supplemental needs trusts:  a first-party SNT, a third-party SNT, and a […]

If you are a parent of a minor child, one of the most important parts of your estate plan will be the nomination of a guardian.  If you were to pass away without having named a guardian, or there is a disagreement over the nominated guardian, those interested in the care of your children will […]

Sadness, loneliness, and shock are just some of the intense emotions people feel when they lose a loved one. Many are at a loss when it comes to what their responsibilities in such an uncertain time. Here, we lay out a few steps to consider if you find yourself in this unenviable position. Burial  On […]

The law provides two different mechanisms to allow someone to direct your medical and financial affairs in the event of physical or mental incapacity.  The first is through the execution of estate planning documents referred to as advance directives and the second is by petitioning the court for the appointment of a Guardian for the […]

A reverse mortgage is often utilized by older Americans to supplement their income during retirement by accessing the equity in their home.  The proceeds of a reverse mortgage can be used for any financial obligations the senior may have, including routine maintenance of their home.  The reverse mortgage is a complex type of mortgage loan […]

When engaging in estate planning, one of your goals is likely to prevent or minimize fighting within your family after your death.  A qualified estate planning attorney can help you achieve this goal by drafting your Will and/or Trust in clear and simple terms and to make sure all the technical requirements of execution are […]

Trusts are a wonderful tool to help people accomplish their estate planning objectives. They can be used for tax planning, for long term care planning, for probate avoidance, and as a financial management device for your children and grandchildren.  To know what type of trust is best for you, it is important to have knowledge […]

Mortgages commonly contain something called a “due on sale clause.”  These are clauses that allow lenders to “call in” the loan and require that the borrower pay the entire balance of the loan when a borrower transfers title to the mortgaged property. This idea makes sense – when a homeowner sells their property, they are […]

Estate and gift tax consequences vary from estate to estate depending on the size and value of the estate and the place where the decedent died.  The concept of a step-up in basis is a federal one affecting beneficiaries nationwide, and a recent proposal from the Biden administration has threatened to eliminate it from the […]