When a loved one passes away, our lives are suddenly turned upside down. Family needs to be notified. The funeral must be planned. Bills start stacking up. The list goes on. We have various emotions, all the while knowing that as time progresses, legal matters require attention. While you may attempt to "do-it-yourself,” there are a number of pitfalls and problems that can come with serious … [Read more...] about Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Administration
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Passing the Torch
It has been eleven months since I stepped aside as the owner of Sinclair Prosser Gasior and I continue to work at the law firm with Attorney Jon Gasior as the principal. I have been an attorney for 29 years, recently celebrated 23 years at the firm, and owned and operated Sinclair Prosser Gasior for 15 years. Going from being the owner of the law firm to an employee has been a big transition for … [Read more...] about Passing the Torch
Creating a Why
As I have reflected on this past year and the transfer of ownership to me from Colleen Sinclair Prosser, I often consider my “why.” “Why do I do estate planning? Why do we show up to work each day?” At the heart of my why is a desire to help others. Many businesses make the claim that their purpose is to “help others,” but as an estate planning and estate administration law firm, we do more than … [Read more...] about Creating a Why
Why an LLC Is Better Than a Sole Proprietorship
"Why an LLC Is Better Than a Sole Proprietorship" by Attorney Alex Pagnotta (Audio) An LLC is a type of business entity that is an alternative to a sole proprietorship or a corporation. LLCs are a good option for many business owners who want more protection from liability than a sole proprietorship or a partnership would provide. LLCs can also be used in estate planning. If you are … [Read more...] about Why an LLC Is Better Than a Sole Proprietorship
Estate Planning for Business Owners
"How Can Estate Planning Attorneys Help Business Owners?" by Attorney Laura T. Curry (Audio) Estate planning attorneys provide help to people who own businesses who want those businesses to survive even after the owner's death or departure. If you want your business to serve as your legacy and be handed down to the next generation, you need to ensure that you are prepared for what could happen … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Business Owners
The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
"The Importance of Communicating Your Plans" by Attorney Jon Gasior (Audio) Whether or not we plan to do so, each of us will face death eventually. However, by planning we can make our passing easier and better in many ways for those we leave behind. This article focuses on the importance of communicating your plans to your family to avoid problems after your death. Death is seldom easy for … [Read more...] about The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
What’s Your Generation?
"What’s Your Generation?" by Attorney Victor Lembo (Audio) Whether sitting at the doctor’s office, ordering dinner, or simply watching television, there are constant reminders about how we grew up and how we like to do things. For example, how do you get to the doctor – perhaps you walk, drive or Uber? Do you prefer to eat in the restaurant, pick up curbside, or order through an app? Do you … [Read more...] about What’s Your Generation?
Do You Know Who Your Designated Beneficiaries Are?
"Do You Know Who Your Designated Beneficiaries Are?" by Attorney Colleen Sinclair Prosser (Audio) It’s likely you already have a comprehensive estate plan in place and probably spent hours contemplating the decisions you made in your plan. You also placed a great deal of thought towards the distribution of your estate assets, your choice for Executor of your Will, Trustee of your Trust, and … [Read more...] about Do You Know Who Your Designated Beneficiaries Are?
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans and Updates
"What Do You Miss Out on With a DIY Will?" by Attorney Alex Pagnotta (Audio) If you make a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) estate plan, you miss out on many important things including: Legal advice on whether your estate plan is valid or not. State laws can differ so you need to make certain you follow Maryland rules. Buying a DIY will kit online or otherwise trying to make a DIY estate plan is not … [Read more...] about Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans and Updates
Estate Planning for Young Families
"Estate Planning for Young Families" by Attorney Laura Curry (Audio) Many young families put off estate planning and often say that they are too young, healthy or can’t afford it. But even a healthy, young adult can be taken suddenly by an accident or illness, and those with young families need estate planning precisely because others are depending on them. Getting married and having your … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Young Families
Pros and Cons of a Prenup
"Pros and Cons of a Prenup" by Attorney Jon Gasior (Audio) Is it a good idea to sign a prenuptial contract before tying the knot? What are the pros and cons of prenups? The pros The most common reason couples fight is finances. Getting it all out on the table upfront will help with discussing financial matters down the road. Couples should consider spending habits: If one person … [Read more...] about Pros and Cons of a Prenup
Insurance You Need to Protect Your Assets
"Insurance to Protect Your Assets" by Attorney Victor Lembo (Audio) We all want to ensure our families are protected in times of need, as we never know what life has around the next corner. Keeping your money secure can be a challenge, and as estate planning attorneys, Sinclair Prosser Gasior can help make certain that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your family and assets. For … [Read more...] about Insurance You Need to Protect Your Assets
What Should You Expect as a Trust Beneficiary?
"What Should You Expect as a Trust Beneficiary?" by Attorney Colleen Sinclair Prosser If you have been named as the beneficiary of a trust, the implications of this will vary depending upon the kind of trust created and any conditions that were placed upon the transfer of trust assets in the trust document. In many cases, a settlor will create a living trust for the primary purpose of … [Read more...] about What Should You Expect as a Trust Beneficiary?
Downsides to Guardianship
"Downsides to Guardianship" by Attorney Alexander Pagnotta Guardianship could become necessary under circumstances where a person becomes incapacitated and has made no advance plans regarding who will manage their affairs. Guardianship or conservatorships are formal legal processes that establish an officially-recognized relationship between an incapacitated person (a ward) and his guardian or … [Read more...] about Downsides to Guardianship
Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
"Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility" by Attorney Laura T. Curry Crowdfunding or fundraising websites, such as Kickstarter, YouCaring, and GoFundMe are quickly becoming a popular source for donations where ordinary people may raise money from others for anything from new inventions to helping a neighbor or family member in need. Over time, crowdfunding has morphed into a platform … [Read more...] about Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
The SECURE Act
"The SECURE Act" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior (Audio) On May 23, 2019, the House of Representatives passed the SECURE Act. The SECURE Act fundamentally changes how retirement assets are treated both during the account owner’s lifetime, as well as at death. The current rules allow for retirement assets to be “stretched” out over the lifetime of the beneficiary that inherits that retirement … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act
What’s In Your Mailbox…After Death?
"What’s In Your Mailbox…After Death?" by Attorney Victor A. Lembo (Audio) We all know we have to check the mail. Yes, there may be bills or important documents, and there may even be a greeting card or coupons for your next shopping trip. But when you pass away, have you wondered what will happen to your mail? How does the post office learn of your death? Who has access to your mail and who … [Read more...] about What’s In Your Mailbox…After Death?
