Anytime you need to go to the hospital, whether it’s for a broken bone, birth of a new baby, or surgery, there are a few documents they will request from you. Sometimes these forms can be completed by you at the hospital. However, what happens if you need medical assistance and you are incapacitated or unconscious? […]
If you are preparing to send your son or daughter off to college to pursue higher education, you may be wondering how their first semester of school will go. During this exciting new chapter in your family’s life, the last thing you may be thinking about is estate planning for your college-aged child. While your child […]
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Whether this is your first home, an upgrade, or you’re downsizing, purchasing a new home is a big event in your life. When these major life changes occur, it is important that you are properly prepared. Below are a few things for you to consider now that you […]
Michael Bond, who passed away back in June of 2017, was an author and the creator of the adventurous, sweet and captivating character, Paddington Bear. Bond created the marmalade-loving bear from the “darkest Peru” in the late 1950’s out of his memories of refugee children in the Second World War. He wondered what would happen if an […]
All too often we hear of some new con method scammers have come up with. The most recent tactic in the Austin area has been home improvement scams. Mr. Jason Lugo of Mr.512 Handyman & Hauling, a locally owned construction and hauling company, has had firsthand experience with this scam in the Austin area.
The plot of the scam usually develops as follows: A “contractor” will come to your door and claim they were already in your neighborhood, maybe doing work for a neighbor. They often target senior citizens. They will tell you that they have noticed damage to the outside of your home or that you are in need of some general upkeep of your home (i.e. replace your gutters or siding). The “contractor” will usually then have you sign a contract and make a down payment for the job you agree to, and leave, with you never seeing or hearing from them again.
Last week, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling on a case involving life insurance beneficiary designations after divorce. Mark Sveen had named his wife as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. They got divorced, but Mr. Sveen did not update the beneficiary. Court ruled that divorce invalidated the beneficiary designation in favor of […]
Consider this story. Beth’s divorce from her husband was recently finalized. Her most valuable assets are her retirement plan at work and her life insurance policy. She updated the beneficiary designations on both to be her two minor children. She did not want her ex-husband to receive the money.
Beth passes away one year after her divorce. Her children are still minors, so the retirement plan and insurance company require an adult to be appointed by a court to receive the inheritance Beth left behind. Who does the court presumptively look to serve as the caretaker of this money? Beth’s ex-husband who is now the only living parent of the children. (In some states, this caretaker of the money is called a guardian, whereas in others it is the conservator. The title does not matter as much as the role, which is to manage the funds on behalf of a minor, since the minor is not legally able to handle significant assets or money.)
There are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to consulting with an estate planning attorney. But do they really meet your needs and protect your family? Is online, do-it-yourself estate planning worth the perceived upfront savings?
Your children are your pride and joy. It is no surprise that at some point or another, every parent likely becomes concerned about who will care for their minor children if one or both parents die or are incapacitated. From a financial perspective, many parents turn to life insurance in an effort to take care of their family in the event of death. While it is true that life insurance is a particularly helpful financial tool to protect your loved ones, it is just as important to consider how to leave the proceeds to your minor children. Beyond this, you should also take into account how to incorporate your retirement money (IRAs and 401(k)s), another common, significant asset into your overall estate plan.
Congratulations on welcoming the newest addition to your family. Being a new grandparent changes everything — including how you approach your finances — and is one of the most joyous occasions in life. The excitement of a new baby — and all of the firsts that come with this bundle of joy — can grab all of your attention and focus. That being said, there is one thing that every new grandparent must do as soon as possible that is often overlooked. Specifically, every new grandparent should immediately create (or revise) an estate plan so that it includes your family’s newest generation.
