Yes, Virginia, Your Uncle’s Will Must Be Probated

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Yes, Virginia, Your Uncle’s Will Must Be Probated

During the month of January we began seeing a flurry of clients walk through the door with probate issues.  Based on what we’re seeing, most Americans – irrespective of educational background or socioeconomic circumstances – seem to be under the misimpression that having a will means the beneficiaries will receive their inheritance posthaste and without having to pay legal expenses associated with probate. Wrong. Probate is the legal process where a will is determined to be valid or invalid, ...

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Probate Proceeding

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Six Tips to Start Your Financial Goal-Setting

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The month of January generates a steady stream of news articles and broadcast messaging about financial goal-setting. To cut down on the overwhelming clutter we’ve compiled a series of tools, tips, and resources to support your financial wellness efforts.

Has the recent stock market volatility left you wondering if you have to adjust your spending to meet your financial obligations?  Are you worried if your retirement savings or withdrawal strategy is enough?  Are you confused about where to ...

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Estate Planning, Financial Literacy

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Planning for Incapacity and Minimizing Allegations of Undue Influence

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Planning for Incapacity and Minimizing Allegations of Undue Influence

If you have an aging loved one who is beginning to show signs of cognitive impairment, National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is the perfect time to explore whether his/her estate planning documents are in order.

Each year at this time we like to remind our “more senior clients” and their family members how critical it is to ensure that one’s legal documents are up to date prior to the onset of cognitive decline.

Executing estate planning documents while one has full legal capacity ...

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Elder Abuse, End of Life Planning, Estate Planning, Undue Influence

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The Holiday Turkey Is in the… Dishwasher? Top 10 Warning Signs Your Elders May Need Help

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The Holiday Turkey Is in the… Dishwasher? Top 10 Warning Signs Your Elders May Need Help

Elderly parents often try to disguise cognitive decline. The Thanksgiving holiday provides an opportunity for families to spot signs of incapacity in aging parents.

Publix has the greatest holiday television commercials, doesn’t it?  They evoke love, warmth, family and wonderful meals. You can’t wait to visit home.

This year, get a feel for how your elderly loved ones really are doing.  They may be disguising fading capacity behind a cheerful façade.  You might not be privy to the results of Mom’s latest ...

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Aging Parents

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Navigating Life’s Journey: The Role of the Revocable Living Trust

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Navigating Life’s Journey: The Role of the Revocable Living Trust

The function of a revocable living trust is far more powerful than a “simple will” because it covers the three phases of the Trustmaker’s life, and a will does not.

Navigating Life’s Journey: The Role of the Revocable Living Trust
Posted on: October 2nd, 2015
By Mary Merrell Bailey, Esq.

A Revocable Living Trust covers the three phases of the Trustmaker’s life. Created during your lifetime, your revocable living trust (RLT) is your alter ego. Designed to be the minivan of trusts, ...

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Revocable Living Trust, Trusts

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Lattes vs. Life Insurance: Do Millennials Really Have to Choose?

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Lattes vs. Life Insurance: Do Millennials Really Have to Choose?

Life insurance plays a key role in achieving one’s estate planning goals. We recommend a three-pronged approach in convincing Millennials that life insurance has relevance to their lives.

Lattes vs. Life Insurance: Do Millennials Really Have to Choose?
Posted on: September 22nd, 2015
By Mary Merrell Bailey, Esq.

This month marks the 12th anniversary of Life Insurance Awareness Month.  For more than 200 years, life insurance has created a financial safety net for families when the unexpected happens.

With September well underway, ...

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Young Adults

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Estate Planning for Newlyweds

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Estate Planning for Newlyweds

The June Wedding was Spectacular and the Newlyweds Are Back. So What’s Estate Planning Got to Do with It?

Estate planning for newlyweds should begin immediately following the honeymoon.The summer wedding season has begun! It’s always so exciting to witness two people falling in love and planning romantic destination weddings. Seeing a happy couple pledge their love under the wedding arch brings a joyful tear to one’s eye. So, for those of you to whom the expression applies, mazel tov!

As couples ...

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Estate Planning, Young Adults

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National Healthcare Decisions Day – A Platform to Have the Conversation

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National Healthcare Decisions Day – A Platform to Have the Conversation

Founded in 2008, National HealthCare Decisions Day (NHDD) is the day set aside to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance healthcare decision-making.

Did you know that tomorrow is April 16th — National Healthcare Decisions Day?  Those of us who offer legal counsel, advisory services, or healthcare related services are particularly mindful of the day’s significance.  Founded in 2008, National HealthCare Decisions Day (NHDD) is the day set aside to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers ...

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Advance Directives, End of Life Planning, Financial Literacy

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Leaving a Legacy: What’s “Blue Bloods” Got To Do With It?

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Leaving a legacy may mean passing down one’s wealth to beneficiaries and loved ones or preserving for future generations the family’s traditions, values, and journeys.

Leaving a legacy is not about material things. It’s preserving family traditions and values for future generations.
It always amazes me that watching a few hours of TV can stimulate ideas for a blog article.
While channel surfing recently, I skipped over the credit card commercial with ...

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Estate Planning

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Son Discovers Mother’s Estate Plan in Storage Unit after Spending Nearly $24,000 in Guardianship Fees

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Son Discovers Mother’s Estate Plan in Storage Unit after Spending Nearly $24,000 in Guardianship Fees

Developing an estate plan is perhaps one of the noblest actions you will take to ensure the efficient transfer of your assets to future generations in a manner that affirms your values and wishes. In addition to helping your heirs avoid probate and minimize family chaos after your death, a properly drafted estate plan also prevents court control of your assets should you become mentally or physically incapacitated.

But what happens if you become incapacitated, are in need of a family ...

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Advance Directives, Digital Assets, Durable Power of Attorney, Guardianship, Probate

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