Legal Articles, Estate
Do I Really Need an Estate Plan?
Estate planning is an essential piece of financial planning. However, when most individuals plan their finances, whether for the next five years or 50, they often forget about estate planning. In fact, approximately half of Americans don’t have a will or estate plan.
On the other hand, many individuals avoid estate planning because it forces them to ask difficult questions and make difficult decisions, such as “What is my estate worth?” “What happens to my assets after I die?” “Who will care for my loved ones?” In this article, we will review the different elements that go into estate planning, reasons why you might need an estate plan, and how an estate planning attorney can help.
Good Faith Myth
A defense often used in financial elder abuse cases is a statement that says something like, "I only did what he wanted me to do." This "good faith" defense is no longer an automatic defense. The law on financial elder abuse has slowly evolved to hold people accountable for financial elder abuse even when the bad-actor claims he or she was acting good faith. This article shows the changes in the law and how bad-actors who act in "good faith" can still be held accountable.
Successor Trustee Privileged Information - What's Said in the Office of Trustee Stays in the Office of Trustee
A successor trustee is permitted to hire legal counsel at the expense of the trust. However, if that trustee is replaced with another trustee, the privileged information shared with the first trustee will transfer to the new trustee except in limited circumstances. This article explains when the attorney client privilege changes to the new trustee and the few instances where the privilege remains with the old trustee.
Accessing the Black Box - Attorney-Client Privilege in the Area of Estate Litigation
While the doctrine of attorney-client privilege usually functions as an inaccessible black box, there are a few exceptions that apply in the area of estate litigation. This article first sets the foundation for what attorney-client privilege actually entails. From there, the article explains each of the few exceptions that apply in estate litigation. In the end, the law is interest in the decedent's wishes, and to know those wishes it is sometimes necessary to open the black box of attorney client privilege
Why You Should Care About Changes in 401(k) Contribution Limits
Why You Should Care About Changes in 401(k) Contribution Limits
New Laws That Could Make a Significant Impact on Your Estate Plan
New Laws That Could Make a Significant Impact on Your Estate Plan
New Ohio Law May Dramatically Increase Real Estate Tax
New Ohio Law May Dramatically Increase Real Estate Tax
When a Will May Not be the Way
A will or trust is a valuable estate planning tool, but in some situations they may not necessarily be valid or enforceable.
BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH IOWA DO IT YOURSELF WILL KIT, BUYER BEWARE
Problems with do it yourself Will kits.
