Estate Planning

Strategies For Lawsuit-Proofing Your Estate

July 18, 2011

Forbes Associate Editor, Ashlea Ebeling, wrote a great article last week about estate planning strategies that can discourage a protracted legal battle after your death. The following are some of her suggestions, along with some of my commentary: 1. Treat siblings equally. Unequal distributions, such as cutting out a child in favor of grandchildren, or [...]

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Traditions That Keep Families Connected

July 11, 2011

My kids and I play a Volkswagen Beetle game. It’s not Punch Buggy, but rather a unique game that my family created. New Beetles (I hear the 2012 body style will change, but haven’t seen one on the road yet) are worth 1 point, convertible Beetles are worth 3 points, old body style Beetles are [...]

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A Durable Power of Attorney Does Not Authorize An Agent to Settle An Estate (And Other Lessons)

June 27, 2011

A man (who I’ll call “Jack”), recently called me in a bit of a panic. His fiancé (“Jill”), with whom he had lived for many years in a home they purchased together, had been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Jill was starting chemotherapy the next day and he was concerned, not only about his her [...]

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Friday Funny: Advanced Healthcare Directives

May 13, 2011

Thanks to Michigan estate planning attorney, Mike Lichterman for sharing this very funny cartoon.

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How Do I Revoke a Medical Power of Attorney in Texas?

May 2, 2011

In Texas, a Medical Power of Attorney can be revoked in the following ways: You can revoke a Medical Power of Attorney by notifying either the agent or your health care provider orally or in writing of your intent to revoke. Your ability to revoke is not contingent on your capacity to make health care [...]

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Estate Planning for Couples

April 11, 2011

Under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 into law on December 17 of last year, individuals can pass up to $5 million free of any estate tax liability. Additionally, can pass up to $10 million free of estate tax because a deceased spouse can transfer any unused tax exemption [...]

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