The author, playwright, politician and commentator whose vast and sharpened range of published works and public remarks were stamped by his immodest wit and unconventional wisdom, died Tuesday at age 86 in Los Angeles. Vidal Gore was revered by many throughout his...
Firm News
When sending your Child to College a Power of Attorney is a Must Have!
If you have a young adult (18 or older) or you are a young adult, it is important to have powers of attorney in place. Parents are often surprised that they do not automatically have access to their child’s healthcare information or other college records.If your child...
Selecting a Guardian Might Come With Some Drama
Just before the news broke regarding the guardianship of Michael Jackson’s children, I received this question.Can the selection of guardian for minor children withstand a legal challenge by the grandmother?In this particular situation, a non-relative was chosen by a...
The Importance for the LGBT Community to Engage in Estate Planning…
It is just as important, if not more important, for couples of the same gender to engage in estate planning. I was talking with a CPA specializing in estate planning about the unique tax issues that arise in domestic relationships. Specifically, she expressed that...
Dark Knight Rises – Aurora, Colorado
President Barack Obama hugs Stephanie Davies, who helped keep her friend, Allie Young, left, alive after she was shot during the movie Aurora movie theater shootings in Aurora, Colorado. When I heard about the tragedy Friday morning the 20th, my heart went out to all...
Planning Ahead – Get Your Affairs in Order
Woody Allen is credited with saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” I would be the first to admit that we certainly aren’t in control of as much as we’d like to think we are. So, in my estate planning with clients, I like to take a look at...
A Will Serves Many Purposes
On this hot, 97 degree day in July, I share with you this hot tip. Really, truly, for the most part, none of us know how we might die. We know we will die, but not when or how. So when folks say "I do not need a Will, I have "nothing"," I share this story. A young...
Beneficiary Designations are Important
I was recently working on an estate matter which demonstrated the importance of updating and keeping track of your beneficiary designation. Many of our seniors obtain life insurance to provide for their funeral. However, the person designated as the beneficiary does...
Prenuptial Agreements and the Business Owner
I was talking with a new business owner. He just purchased a service station and was so excited about this new venture. He had worked in the business since high school and so was quite sophisticated in business matters at such a young age of 29. He had also met the...
I Am Back To My Blogging
I am back to my blogging. I started answering questions posted on AVVO. As a result, I did not blog as much. However, I think the information shared blogging helps people i n their quest to understand the world of estate planning. AND so, I am back and will be...