Estate Attorneys
We strive to make the process of estate planning and estate administration as simple and straightforward as possible. At American Wills and Estates we speak to our clients in plain English, and we are sensitive to the fact that many of our clients are still grieving the loss of a loved one. Our number one goal is to put our clients at ease and to reassure them with competency and compassion in their times of need.
THE PROBATE PROCESS CAN GET COMPLICATED FAST
Do I Really Need a Will?
People are constantly asking me, "Lloyd, do I really need a Will. Isn't that something only people with a lot of money need?" And my answer is always a big, resounding NO. Not only should everyone have at least a simple Will as part of their estate plan, they should most definitely also have a well drafted Power of Attorney and Living Will as part of their overall plan as... Read More
The Importance of Having a Last Will and Testament
The importance of having a Last Will and Testament and.....a little Purple Rain to go with it. Estate planning doesn't have to be scary, difficult or expensive, but it's so very important to get it done. Quit procrastinating folks, despite the rumors to the contrary....none of us are going to live forever.
http://fox2now.com/2016/05/03/importance-of-having-a-will/... Read More
Power of Attorneys are Extremely Important, But Make Sure You Understand What You Are Signing
A well drafted Durable Power of Attorney is an extremely important part of most of our clients overall estate plans, but make sure you understand the significance of the power that you will be granting. This article that appeared in the N.Y. Times does a nice job of explaining the importance of these documents, but also how they can lead to fraud and abuse if given to the... Read More
Common Estate Planning Mistakes by NFL Players
1. Living in the present, instead of planning for the... Read More
Estate Planning Mistake #3: Letting Your Heirs Fight Over Your Personal Effects
It’s been my experience that parents are often the only thing keeping their adult children from tearing each other’s heads off over every disputed matter or perceived slight. And, once the parents are gone, the fighting often reaches new levels of insanity. This is often particularly the case when it comes to the division of a parent’s personal and household effects after... Read More
Estate Planning Mistake #1: Naming an Executor Who Doesn’t Get Along with Your Other Heirs
When you’re dealing with families, money and the emotional impact of losing a loved one, things can turn ugly quickly. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve seen unresolved siblings feuds lead to acrimonious and protracted litigation concerning the administration and distribution of the estate.
One estate that comes immediately to mind involved two sisters... Read More
Who Ever Said Obituaries Have to be Dull
Can't help myself, one of my friends posted this guy's obituary and it's simply a must share. No dull, staid and somber recap here.
This guy must have been a real character and his obit captures him in all his rabble-rousing glory. Gotta love the Irish, never a dull moment. Enjoy.
http://www.barstoolsports.com/boston/this-is-without-a-doubt-the-best-obituary-... Read More
It's Always a Good Time of Year to Support the Children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
One of our law firm's favorite charities is the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Take a look at Michael Strahan interacting with
some of the kids behind the scenes. He's a class act and one of the truly good guys out there.
https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/st-jude-thanks-and-giving/watch-our-celebrity-and-patient-videos.html?sc_cid=... Read More
Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes
Here in America we can never seem to get enough celebrity news. The nastier the better, right? Well, when it comes to estate planning, it would seem that many of our favorites celebrities make the same kind of mistakes that so many of us seem to fall into. Here are some of the top celebrity estate planning blunders from the past few years and the things that could have... Read More