The Estate Planning Tool Kit for Unmarried Partners
Fri 10 Sep, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
Estate planning is essential for everyone, but it is especially important if you and your partner are in a long-term committed relationship and are not married. Unless you plan properly, your partner will not receive any of your money or property when you pass away and will be unable to care for you when you most need it. Instead of your partner, your family members will be in charge of your financial and medical decisions …
Considerations Before Heading South for the Winter
Fri 27 Aug, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it is time to head south. If you are thinking about heading for warmer weather this winter, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. What is happening in your destination state? Because we are still in the midst of a pandemic, it would be prudent to do some research about your winter destination. How many COVID-19 cases has the state had? Are these numbers …
Help! I’ve Been Named as a Guardian. What Do I Do?
Fri 20 Aug, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
A guardian is an individual who cares for someone, often a minor child, who needs special protection. Parents can nominate a guardian in their will, but typically a court must confirm and officially appoint the guardian after both parents have passed away. Sometimes the need for a guardian arises when the parents are still alive. For example, if the parents become very ill or are unable to care for the child for some other reason, …
Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Real Impact on Estate Planning
Mon 16 Aug, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
According to data provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1.9% of all infants born in the United States, 81,478 in 2018, were conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART).[1] ART is defined by the CDC as all fertility treatments in which both eggs and embryos are handled: It can involve a number of procedures, the most well-known being artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and cryopreservation (genetic material frozen for later use). Another related arrangement …
Legal Requirements to Consider When Selecting an Executor
Fri 6 Aug, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
The person you choose to be your executor (sometimes called a personal representative) will play an extremely important role, as that person will be responsible for gathering, securing, managing, and ultimately distributing your money and property when you pass away. As a result, you should make your selection only after careful consideration regarding who is the best person to fulfill this role. Don’t just choose your oldest child because that’s what you think is expected: …