While meeting with clients, as an Olney estate planning lawyer, I often hear this question: “Should I add my family member to my accounts as a joint owner, or set up a Power of Attorney?” While adding a joint owner might seem like the simpler solution, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. …
Joint Accounts vs. Power of Attorney: Making the Right Choice for Your Future Read More »
As an estate planning lawyer in Olney, I often see couples who view prenuptial agreements solely as divorce protection. However, a well-crafted prenup can be a powerful estate planning tool that helps protect both spouses and their children, especially in blended families. The Estate Planning Connection Prenuptial agreements complement your estate plan in several important …
Beyond Marriage Protection: How Prenuptial Agreements Enhance Your Estate Plan Read More »
As an elder lawyer in Olney, I’ve noticed a recurring theme when helping families navigate the downsizing process. Parents often struggle to part with possessions because they hope to pass them down to their children. Yet when meeting with adult children after their parents’ passing, we frequently hear a different perspective: they feel overwhelmed by …
Downsizing with Your Children’s Inheritance in Mind: Advice from a Olney Elder Lawyer Read More »
When it comes to estate planning, naming a guardian for your minor children is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s also one of the hardest. While you’ve likely spent time carefully considering who you’d want to raise your children if something happened to you, one vital step remains: talking to the …
Starting the Conversation: Talking to Guardians About Their Role Read More »
As an Olney probate lawyer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how scammers exploit families during their most vulnerable moments. The days and weeks following a loved one’s passing should be a time for healing and remembrance – not defending against fraud. Let me share some crucial insights to help protect your family during this sensitive time. The …
One of the most frequent questions I hear as an Olney trust lawyer is, “Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?” Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: “Am I making the right choice for my family’s future?” Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your …
Right-Sizing Your Trust: An Olney Trust Lawyer Explains What Really Matters Read More »
When a child with disabilities receives a personal injury settlement, parents often face a crucial decision: how to manage these funds without jeopardizing essential government benefits. As an Olney trust lawyer, I’ve helped many families protect their children’s financial future through special needs trusts, particularly after receiving personal injury settlements. The Hidden Risks of Direct …
As an Olney probate attorney, one of the most common questions I hear from families is about student loan debt after death. With student loan debt in America reaching unprecedented levels, it’s a crucial topic that affects many families during probate administration. Federal vs. Private Student Loans: A Critical Distinction The fate of student loans …
What Happens to Student Loans After Death? Olney Probate Attorney Explains Read More »
You’ve carefully built your retirement savings over decades, but did you know that once inherited, these accounts could be vulnerable to creditors? As an Olney estate lawyer, I’ve seen too many families surprised when inherited retirement accounts they thought were protected ended up exposed to legal claims. The Supreme Court Changed Everything In 2014, the …
Olney Estate Lawyer Explains: Your Inherited IRA May Be at Risk Read More »
As an Olney trust lawyer, I often meet families who’ve been targeted by aggressive marketing from what’s known as a “trust mill.” These clients usually come to us worried, clutching generic trust documents that aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. While the low prices might have been attractive initially, they quickly discovered that cheap, …
Trust Mills: Why Mass-Produced Estate Planning Could Put Your Family at Risk Read More »
