In our last issue we discussed the inheritance rights of adopted children who later found biological family through DNA testing. With the increasing popularity of DNA testing, connecting with lost relatives is becoming easier. These connections can affect your own estate plan but also your obligations if you serve as the fiduciary of another’s estate....
In the last edition of our newsletter, we discussed the anticipated changes relating to IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts. Since that newsletter issued, nothing much has changed. The House of Representatives passed the SECURE Act and the Senate version, RESA, still has not been the subject of a vote. While it is anticipated that...
Sunshine is a beautiful, brown and white, 12 year old long-haired Dachshund. She loves people, children and other dogs. Sunshine’s owner is a client of ours. Unfortunately, Sunshine’s owner can no longer remain at home. Her chief concern was not for herself but for Sunshine, who had always lived in a loving home. Her greatest...
There is no question but that our best plans are affected by the passage of time. As we move through life’s stages, we experience change. We may marry or divorce, move to another state or county, change jobs or careers, have children or grandchildren. Sometimes the people we feel closest to move away or, for...
Many of us have digital lives. We use the internet regularly and have come to rely on it. It seems that almost everything is available at a mouse click. But as more of our personal and financial data is stored online, it is important to consider who will have access to all of our digital...
Franklin was rumored to have been an extremely private person who insisted on being paid, in cash, prior to performing. She amassed a fortune during her lifetime and her estate will continue to generate income from royalties and the use of her image. Her business acumen was reflected in the fact that, from very early...
Seniors who have been looking forward to a change in lifestyle or a move upon retirement may want to think about how this change may impact their loved ones. A discussion about retirement may be uncomfortable for parents. Some do not discuss the details of their finances with their children while others share information freely...
A new marriage often presents an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to move forward in life. Before your wedding celebration, however, there are many important things to consider if you are going to make the transition a smooth one. Are you combining households? Are you moving to a new space or is one...
The recent popularity of DNA testing kits makes it possible to find relatives we never knew existed. Children who were given up for adoption, or “adopted out,” are now discovering siblings and half-siblings. They are finding parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to whom they are biologically related. Apart from all of the other issues...
Mediation is a dynamic, structured, interactive form of alternative dispute resolution used to resolve a broad range of conflicts in a variety of settings. It is particularly well suited to the resolution of conflicts among and between family members. It is a process by which an impartial third party facilitates communication and negotiation and promotes...
