Taking the time to create an estate plan is an excellent way to ensure you, and your heirs, are taken care of in the future. However, how can you be sure you are choosing an attorney who has your best interests in mind? There are three things we recommend looking for when you are searching for an estate planning attorney. … Read the rest
Reasons Why an Estate Plan is Necessary Even If You Have a Mortgage
Too many people seem to think that since they have a mortgage on their home, they do not need to go through the hassle of creating an estate plan. After all, that seems to be the easiest way, because it doesn’t take any time. However, there are numerous reasons why not having an estate plan is a bad idea. And … Read the rest
Considering Skipping Planning a Will and Trust? Learn from the Mistakes of Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin may have been the “Queen of Soul”, but nothing could help her family financially when she died on August 16, 2018. Despite having 112 singles on Billboard music charts, Ms. Franklin failed to have a will and trust created prior to her death. Without that will and trust, her estate was considered intestate.
Since Ms. Franklin resided in … Read the rest
Accidents Happen – Get Your Will and Estate Plan Created Today
In some way, each of us begins each new day by lying to ourselves that nothing “bad” will happen to us. It’s like it’s part of our human nature. We know that people are involved in accidents every day that end their lives or incapacitate them; that’s just it, we tell ourselves that it will happen to someone else – … Read the rest
When And Why You Should Review Your Estate Plan
Great, you created your estate plan; and by getting crucial documents drafted and signed, you are ahead of most people in planning for your future. An estate plan is not a “set it and forget it” type of thing. The only thing worse than not having a plan, is having one that does not match your goals and wishes. You … Read the rest
Choosing the Right Person to be the Executor of Your Estate
First and foremost, just because you were named in someone’s Will as the Executor of their Estate does not mean that you are automatically the Executor as soon as that person has died. Being named in someone’s Will as their Executor only means that you have been nominated. The probate court must appoint you as the Executor before you … Read the rest
The Benefits of a Revocable Trust
Much has been written and discussed about what a revocable trust is and how tax laws have changed to make revocable trusts applicable to more people. However, it is important to note how a revocable trust, under New Hampshire’s laws, can benefit you and your family.
There are a number of ways to organize a discussion about how a revocable … Read the rest
What is Property?
Property is anything that is owned by a person or company. It can be bought, sold, traded, stolen, or destroyed. It can be owned by a single person, or jointly between two or more people. Tangible items such as a car, books, clothes, DVDs, or even pets are considered personal property. Real estate or real property is the specific term … Read the rest
The Hermit and the Deed (No Good Deed Goes Unpunished)
Perley E. Swett was a well-known hermit who lived in Stoddard, NH. He passed away in 1973.
During his life, various people appear to have helped him out, one being a gentleman named Quentin H. White. Beginning in 1968, Mr. White visited Mr. Swett regularly, delivered groceries, handled bank transactions, and took Mr. Swett to visit his sister.
The Deed
… Read the restHow to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney
What to Consider When Looking for an Estate Planning Attorney
Comfort
You need to feel comfortable with your estate planing attorney. Ideally, they need to get to know you well enough for you to tell them about the successes and failures in your life. You also need to be comfortable discussing your immediate family, as well as extended family members.… Read the rest