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While the execution of a Will is one way to allocate of your assets, the reality is that most property passes to heirs through other, less formal means. Many bank and investments accounts, as well as real estate, may have joint owners who take ownership automatically upon the death of the primary owner. Other banks and investment companies offer payable on death accounts that permit owners to name the person or people who will receive those assets when the owners die. Life insurance, of course, [...]

Older parents are becoming more common, driven in part by changing cultural norms and surrogacy. Comedian and author Steve Martin had his first child at age 67. Singer Billy Joel, age 68, recently welcomed his third child and Janet Jackson had a child at age 50. But later-in-life parents have some special estate planning and retirement considerations. The first consideration is to make sure you have a comprehensive estate plan and make sure it is kept up to date. If you have minor children, one [...]

As 2017 comes to an end, now is a good time to review your estate planning documents to make sure you have included everything you need. Even if you've created an estate plan, are you sure you included everything you need to? There are certain provisions that people often forget to put in in a will or estate plan that can have a big impact on your family. 1. Alternate Beneficiaries One of the most important things your estate plan should include is at least [...]

Did you know that this week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week?  In 2008, Congress declared the third week in October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This week is a great time to create a comprehensive estate plan or to have your existing estate planning document reviewed and updated.  In honor of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, the Samuels Law Firm will discuss a few common misconceptions people have about elder law plans: I'm too young for an elder law plan. WRONG! The sooner you [...]