When is “living probate” necessary?
Fri 10 Apr, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
If you become incapacitated, who is going to take care of you? You will not be able to make medical decisions for yourself and you will not be able to manage your day-today affairs. If you do not have the appropriate estate plan in place, your family may be headed to the probate court long before you are deceased. Conservatorship or Guardianship Proceedings In some states a living probate is referred to as a guardianship …
What to Do When Your Doctor Says to “Get Your Affairs in Order”
Wed 25 Mar, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning
Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor: “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 58 percent of Americans do not have a will or trust, and it often requires a chronic disease or terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing events to prompt the estate planning process.¹ Talk to your attorney about completing the documents below and follow these tips to protect your future and make the circumstances easier for your loved ones. …
Riding A Bike This Summer? Wear Your Helmet!
Fri 13 Mar, by FritzLaw on Personal Injury
With spring and summer approaching very quickly, there are a few important things to consider regarding the safety of you and your family members. Once the weather is warmer, the number of outside activities will increase, which includes running and riding bicycles. Riding a bike is a great way to experience the outdoors. It can also provide a number of important health benefits, including cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength/flexibility and stress relief. However, it is extremely …
Which Distribution Method Is Best?
Wed 19 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning
If you are a parent, you probably love to do good things for your children—and leaving them an inheritance is one of the most tangible ways you can show your love once you are gone. What you may not know is that there are a variety of ways that you can leave money and property to your children, and you can choose the method you think best takes your goals, including their well-being, into account. …
How to Minimize the (Voluntary) Federal Estate Tax with Portability
Mon 10 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning
Surprising to most people, the federal estate tax is a voluntary tax. Estate planning attorneys used to say, “You only pay if you don’t plan.” Now, portability of the federal estate tax exclusion provides both an alternative and a back up plan to lifetime tax planning. This means you might be able to minimize or even eliminate federal estate taxes even if you didn’t plan. Here’s how. Portability allows married couples to use two estate …