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: …
Conservation Easements: Preserving a Heritage With Tax Benefits
Fri 30 Jul, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
You may have heard about conservation easements in the news over the past few years and the tax benefits available through the use of them. But what are they and how can they benefit you? Defining Conservation Easements A typical conservation easement is created when a landowner makes an agreement (known as a “servitude”) with a charitable organization or government “land trust.” This agreement gives the organization or land trust certain rights to preserve and …