We all need a reminder once in awhile that estate planning is NOT just about the money. Often our clients ask how they should gift to their loved ones. We commonly set up trusts for charities, children, and grandchildren. In addition to passing along dollars, we emphasize the value of gifting an experience. For example, while you are alive and well, fund a trip to Yosemite National Park, Santa … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: Give the Gift of an Experience
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Why a Long-Term Relationship with Your Estate Planning Attorney is So Important
A long-term relationship with your estate planning attorney is imperative for peace of mind for you and your family and for an estate plan that works. Estate planning is a life-long process which evolves as your life and the law both unfold. Melissa’s Peace of Mind Story Melissa and her husband, Joe, came into the law office for estate planning. They were a relatively young couple with two … [Read more...] about Why a Long-Term Relationship with Your Estate Planning Attorney is So Important
Sinclair Prosser Gasior – We're here for you!
Another year And we’re still here As we always plan to be As your resource To direct your course In preserving prosperity Should you want to establish A Will or a Trust Without hesitation The answer is us! In Trust Administration We minimize taxes To those who are aging Our guidance relaxes We’re experts at pre-nups; And post-nups, it’s true Business … [Read more...] about Sinclair Prosser Gasior – We're here for you!
Your College Student Needs His Own Estate Plan Before He Goes Back to School
You’re probably shocked that your child is old enough to be in college, let alone need an estate plan. Shocking, but true. Each and every person, age 18 and older, needs an estate plan. It’s likely that your college student’s estate plan will be very basic, but it’s important nonetheless. Your child needs his own estate plan because, legally, he is an adult. This means that you are unable … [Read more...] about Your College Student Needs His Own Estate Plan Before He Goes Back to School
So You Want to Create Your Own Estate Plan? (part 2 of 2)
If you’re thinking about saving some cash and creating your own estate plan, you should carefully think this decision through (and don’t try it.) You likely want to make sure that you have an estate plan that is valid and meets all of your needs. If you create your own plan, there is room to make mistakes. Take a look the information below, to better understand the importance of working with an … [Read more...] about So You Want to Create Your Own Estate Plan? (part 2 of 2)
In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. “ -Benjamin Franklin in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy (13 November 1789) While decades have passed, some things have not changed. Now more than ever it is important that you have done all that you can to protect your home and … [Read more...] about In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes
So You Want to Create Your Own Estate Plan? (part 1 of 2)
With the current economic situation, many people are looking to save money, including on the costs of creating an estate plan. Are you thinking about creating your own estate plan? While it may seem like a great idea now, it could create many problems in the future. Take a look at the information below, to better understand the need for professional estate planning services. If you have any … [Read more...] about So You Want to Create Your Own Estate Plan? (part 1 of 2)
Amy Winehouse Updated Her Estate Plan: So, Her Plan Worked
A bit of good news amongst the tragedies of Amy Winehouse’s drug and alcohol induced life and death: Amy’s estate plan will do what she wanted it to do. After her divorce, she sought legal counsel and changed her will to benefit her parents and her brother to the tune of approximately $16.8 million dollars. If she hadn’t updated her will, her jailed ex-husband would have received the … [Read more...] about Amy Winehouse Updated Her Estate Plan: So, Her Plan Worked
MOLST: Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment
Effective October 1, 2011, MOLST forms must be completed for all individuals admitted to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, home health agencies, and dialysis centers and for certain individuals admitted to hospitals. It may also be completed for anyone who wants limitations on CPR or life-sustaining treatments in any setting. What MOLST Does: A MOLST form contains medical … [Read more...] about MOLST: Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment
Estate Tax Planning, Beyond the Living Trust
When you put your estate planning in place you took some valuable steps to protect your family from guardianship, probate and/or estate taxes. The current system of estate taxation in Maryland taxes estates in excess of $1,000,000 for a single person. For a married couple with a living trust, $2,000,000 would be exempt. Do you want to take additional steps to reduce or eliminate estate taxes? … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Planning, Beyond the Living Trust
Elizabeth Taylor’s Estate Could Exceed $1 Billion – Much of It Could Benefit AIDS Charities
Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor will be remembered for many things: her stunning violet eyes, her multiple marriages, her film accomplishments, and the success of her perfume and jewelry businesses. But Ms. Taylor may be remembered most of all for her philanthropy, especially relating to the fight to find a cure for AIDS and to end discrimination against those afflicted. Much of the … [Read more...] about Elizabeth Taylor’s Estate Could Exceed $1 Billion – Much of It Could Benefit AIDS Charities
The Golden Girls Estate Planning Observations
Need a good laugh? Watch reruns of the Golden Girls. The show offers good entertainment and many great estate planning observations as well. Home sharing is a great option for older folks. It provides companionship, financial support, and house-hold task sharing. Blanche shares her Miami home with Rose, Dorothy, Sophia, and Blanche. The elderly have to deal with divorce … [Read more...] about The Golden Girls Estate Planning Observations
How to Be the Best Executor that You Can Be
Have you been chosen to serve as a loved one’s executor? With this honor comes many responsibilities. It’s important to make sure that you handle all of the estate affairs with care. Take a look at some of the tips below on how to be the best executor possible. If you have additional questions about your duties at executor, meet with an estate planning attorney. Follow all of the … [Read more...] about How to Be the Best Executor that You Can Be
The Importance of Incapacity Planning
Accidents, illnesses, and unexpected events can happen at any time and this is why it's important to have incapacity planning in place. Many people neglect to include this type of planning in their estate plan, and then find that they aren't prepared when they need it most. If you want to always be in control of your life choices, you need to handle this aspect of planning. Take a look at the … [Read more...] about The Importance of Incapacity Planning
The Advantages of Hospice Care
When your loved one becomes terminally ill, hospice care may be a great option. Hospice care can help to make your loved one feel comfortable as he or she reaches the end of life. While this experience can be an extremely upsetting and difficult time for all involved, hospice care can offer many benefits to both a patient and his or her family. If you’re interested in hospice care, speak with … [Read more...] about The Advantages of Hospice Care
Things to Consider Before Starting Your Estate Plan
During the process of creating your estate plan, you will be forced to make difficult decisions. It’s important to take the time to think about your decisions carefully. Take a look a look at the following list so that you know what you’ll need to consider before starting your estate plan. If you have any questions, please consult with an estate planning attorney. What do you want to … [Read more...] about Things to Consider Before Starting Your Estate Plan
How to Choose a Guardian for Your Special Needs Child
Parents of young children face a great challenge when they’re forced to select a guardian for their children. This process can be especially difficult for parents of young children who have special needs. If you’re having a hard time making this difficult decision, take a look at the following tips. With proper care and planning, you will be able to make the best choice in naming your guardian. … [Read more...] about How to Choose a Guardian for Your Special Needs Child
