Shocking New Report on VA Benefits Makes National News, But Part of the Story is Missing
The New York Times has finally caught on to something we have known here in the Carolinas for quite some time - veterans are being denied benefits by the VA at an all-time high rate. This is a serious issue that is impacting a lot of young men and women from both North...
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Avoiding a Family Feud After Your Death
What steps can you take to decrease the risk that your loved ones will fight over your estate?It happens all too often. A person dies and their children go to war over the estate. One claims she was promised the silver and another stakes a claim for an antique piece...
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Keep Your Beneficiary Designations Up to Date
When should I update my beneficiary designations?
A well-designed estate plan is one that considers the changes that occur during an individual's lifetime, such as getting married, having children, or getting divorced. In addition to keeping your estate planning documents, such as a trust, a will, and powers of attorney, up-to-date, it is...
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The Use of QTIP Trusts in Estate Planning Involving Second Marriages
How should you protect the division of your assets after a second marriage?In this era of second (or even multiple) marriages, stepchildren, and blended families, QTIP (qualified terminable interest property trusts) are extremely helpful in estate planning. When you have married for the second time and have children from your first...
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Hybrid Long-Term Care Policies
How can I plan for long-term care?Given the fact that people are living longer, the cost of medical coverage during their older years is a matter for individuals to consider as part of their estate planning. Long-term care for nursing home patients can cost as much as $90,000 per year, according...
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A Primer on Business Succession Planning
What are the essentials of a business succession plan?In launching a new business, entrepreneurs need to consider what the best business structure will be and how to arrange for funding, as well the how to bring their products to the market. What many startups fail to recognize is the need for
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Why shouldn’t I use a form from the internet for my will?
In this computer age, when so many tasks are accomplished via the internet -- including banking, shopping, and important business communications -- it may seem logical to turn to the internet when creating a legal document such as a will . Certainly, there...
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What Your Loved Ones Absolutely Need to Know About Your Estate Plan
The conversation about a person’s last wishes can be an awkward one for both the individual who is the topic of conversation and his or her loved ones. The end of someone’s life is not a topic anyone looks forward to discussing....
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The Rule against Perpetuities
The law allows a person preparing a will to have almost complete control over his or her assets after the testator passes on, but there are limits to such power. A person can restrict a property from being sold, or make sure that...
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Can an Individual be held responsible for his or her deceased loved one’s debts?
When a loved one dies, an already difficult experience can be made much more stressful if that loved one held a significant amount of debt. Fortunately, the law addresses how an individual’s debts can be paid after he or she is deceased.
When a...
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