When you think about loved ones who’ve passed away, you probably don’t think very much—or even at all—about the “things” they’ve left you. And when they do leave something behind, what you likely cherish most about the object are the memories and feelings the item evokes, not the thing itself. For my wife, Paula, the most treasured memento her late mother left her wasn’t even something she intended to be Read More
The Real Cost To Your Family: Having No Estate Plan At All
This is the third in an ongoing series of NLBM articles discussing the true costs and consequences of failed estate planning. The series highlights a few of the most common—and costly—planning mistakes we encounter with clients. If the series exposes any potential gaps or weak spots in your plan, meet with a Personal Family Lawyer to learn how to properly address them. When it comes to putting off or refusing to Read More
Talking with Your Family About Your Estate Plan
Is it time to have “the talk” with your kids? We’re not talking about a “birds and bees” talk but one that is equally important, perhaps more so. Everyone has concerns about what will happen when they die. Some people worry about their homes, cars, or money. Others worry about their children. Rare, however, is the person who actually wants to talk about these things with their families. Opening these Read More
Ready To Travel Again? Here’s Your Estate Planning Checklist
It finally looks like travel is becoming a real possibility again. With more than a year’s worth of vacations and business travel completely scrapped, you can sense the excitement (and maybe a little nervousness) in the air. For our part, we and many of our friends are fully vaccinated and ready to go – anywhere! While it’s the last thing we want to think about, dusting off that passport doesn’t come without its Read More
How To Make Estate Planning The One Resolution You Keep In 2020
We make them with the best of intentions, New Year’s resolutions. At the end of the month up to 40% of us will resolve to accomplish something in 2020. Yet, not unsurprisingly, a mere 8% of us will actually keep those resolutions and succeed in our goals. Some of the most important resolutions we will set center on family and money. Though estate planning doesn’t typically come to mind when you think “resolution,” Read More
Our 2019 Family Gift Guide
Happy Holidays! I’m behind schedule this year. By now, I have usually finished my holiday shopping. This year, I have barely started. Having been burned in years past for having my shopping completed early, I am taking a new approach in 2019. In addition to celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, I have two daughters who have very different replies to “what would you like for a gift?" One daughter likes me Read More
An Introduction to the Legacy Interview
What if you could hear your loved one’s voice long after they’ve passed? What if it could be something more than a clip of conversation or laughter from an old home video? What if you could hear them speaking about their memories, their achievements, and their advice? Speaking directly to you? Unfortunately, this is something you won't get to experience with loved ones you’ve already lost, but imagine if you could Read More
National Estate Planning Awareness Week Oct 21-28, 2019: Planning for All Stages of Parenthood
Did you know that October 21-28 is “National Estate Planning Awareness Week?" Estate planning is an often overlooked area of personal financial management. By some estimates, 70% of American parents do not have an estate plan! Most mistakenly hear the word “estate” and assume “estate planning” is just for the Bill Gates, Elon Musks, or Warren Buffets of the world. Estate planning, however, is for Read More
3 Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is a way to celebrate your life and all that you have built by making sure your property and assets are handled according to your wishes after you pass on. Having an estate plan in place affords you the reassurance that when the time comes, your affairs will be handled in the manner you have intended. People often (incorrectly) assume that once they create their estate plan they never have to think Read More
Five Benefits of Having an Estate Plan in Place
At our firm, we view estate planning as an opportunity to celebrate your life and all that you have built. Creating an estate plan affords you the opportunity to plan for the future of those you love and to ensure they will be protected and receive assets you have worked hard throughout your lifetime to acquire. Estate planning gives you the peace of mind of knowing that when your time comes, your wishes will be Read More
