Can I Prevent a Will Contest After I’m Gone?

You’ve probably seen it in the movies or on TV hundreds of times: A close-knit family gathers for the reading of the will of a wealthy patriarch or matriarch. When the terms are revealed, someone benefits at the expense of someone else, causing a ruckus. It may even come to blows.

Are You Considering the Impact of Your Estate Plan on your Heirs?

Unless you take your heirs' wishes, taxes and interests into consideration in your plans, you could be committing some serious unforced errors with your estate.

How Do I Title My Property Correctly for My Estate Plan?

August 29, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

If you think Estate Planning is simply the creation of a will or trust, you are missing a large portion of information, and could potentially have assets that do not flow according to the plan you have set up in your will or trust.

Second Marriage? Make Sure Estate Plan Is Ready

The first thing to realize is that as soon as you marry, your spouse is granted certain inheritance rights under law. However, these rights of inheritance can be waived or modified by using an anti-nuptial agreement, or as its more commonly known, a pre-nuptial agreement.

Your Estate Plan Decides or the State Decides

By planning in advance, you have the say as to who receives which assets. The people you care about are more apt to receive your property.

Estate Planning Avoids Probate

August 23, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

It was reported on the news recently that some of Aretha Franklin’s family members have found what they believe to be her will. It was handwritten, stained and crumpled up in a couch. The courts may or may not choose to honor it, depending on whether or not they are able to verify its authenticity.

What Are the Biggest Estate Planning Questions I Need to Answer?

August 22, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Guardianship

The word “estate” conjures images of great wealth, which may be one of the reasons so many people don’t develop estate plans. Afterall, they’re not rich, so why make the effort?

Can a Transaction Occur Without a Power of Attorney?

The wife did not have a durable power of attorney authorizing her spouse to act as her agent in selling the property and now apparently lacked the capacity to sign one.

How Do Trust Attorneys Help Your Estate Plan?

August 21, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Setting up a trust fund offers many advantages in terms of passing on wealth or assets. It avoids probate, or the transfer of assets in court. This increases not only the ease of transfer, but also privacy.

Elder Law Attorney Can Help Plan for Long-Term Care Costs

August 20, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Long-Term Care Planning

A one-bedroom apartment in an assisted-living facility will cost you $194 per day–or about $71,000 per year. A home health aide will set you back $25 per hour, or $1,000 for a 40-hour week. Not scared yet?