The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted to provide guidelines to the healthcare industry for protecting patient information and privacy. For minors, this is a non-issue because parents, as legal guardians, have access to their children’s medical information and are the ones making most of the medical decisions, as well […]
For most people, the phrase “power of attorney” means very little. Even for those educated on the subject, it is easy to forget exactly who serves what role and why. Whether you are unfamiliar with the concept or simply need of a refresher, keep reading to learn what it means to be an agent under a […]
Discovering your ancestry can be both fun and fascinating. At-home DNA tests have grown in popularity in recent years. Often given as a unique gift for loved ones, the kits reveal details about our individual and collective pasts. Unfortunately, these tests aren’t all fun and games. When a test reveals an unexpected relative or biological child, […]
You may have been running around for weeks, getting your new college student off to school. It’s exhilarating, and your heart likely is bursting at the seams. You’re probably prouder than words can express, but you’re also a little afraid, too. How can you make sure your kid is going to be safe at school, their […]
You are in the military, you just received your orders, and you will be deployed shortly. No matter the time frame, it’s a good time to make sure your affairs are in order. Review or prepare a Family Care Plan before deployment Regardless of the branch of the military in which you are serving, you may […]
No matter the time of year, it is always a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up — or revising an existing — estate plan. Military families sometimes have special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members are deployed […]
When you sit down to create your estate plan, there are likely dozens of questions running through your mind. Who should get possession of your home? Who should run the family business? Do you want to create a college fund for your grandkids? What charity should you donate to? The options can be dizzying. Before you […]
In the golden age of the smartphone, you’re never far from a camera. This has made the sharing of videos and photos easier than ever before. Easy access to a quality camera has led many people to wonder: can I make a video will? More importantly, folks are curious about whether such a “will” can hold […]
The average American family has changed a great deal over the last few decades. The assumption that a couple will share finances, tax obligations, and a last name is one that does not necessarily apply in the 21st century. There are more options than ever before to keep your finances, identity, and future plans separate. This […]
Estate planning for married couples can be tricky when one spouse is significantly wealthier than the other, and each spouse wants different beneficiaries to ultimately inherit his or her estate. One solution to this problem is the Lifetime QTIP Trust. What is a Lifetime QTIP Trust? One traditional estate planning model for married couples makes use […]
