Estates
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.
Getting Started in the Role of Executor
Serving as an Executor (sometimes called a Personal Representative or Administrator) of an Estate doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but it’s important to be organized from the start. As the Executor you are going to be the person who is legally responsible for protecting the assets of the decedent until the probate estate... Read More
DO-IT-YOURSELF ESTATE PLANNING IS A VERY BAD IDEA
In the day and age of Google and the world seemingly being at our fingertips, I'm seeing more and people take on tasks that they are eminently unqualified to take on. Remember, you're not a car mechanic merely because you watched an engine repair video online. This same concept holds true when it comes to putting together an effective estate plan that will best address... 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
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
The Importance of Having a Power of Attorney
One of the most important pieces in a simple estate plan is a well drafted Power of Attorney. While a Last Will and Testament only comes into play after your death, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that can have a profound impact on your day-to-day care and well- being in the event that you become incapacitated or unable to manage your own affairs at some point... Read More
Why Estate Planning is very Important
Great article and video on why having and estate plan in place is so vitally important. Take a look.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/23/no-estate-plan-you-are-making-a-costly-mistake.html
Celebrity Estate Planning Mistakes
JAMES GANDOLFINI died on 6/13/2013 in Rome as the result of a Heart Attack.
ESTATE MISTAKE:
Tony Soprano might have been a wise guy, but the actor who played him might not have been too smart for not putting his estate into a trust. He left only 20 percent of his estate to his wife, who had an unlimited deduction as his spouse. So 80 percent of his $70 million... Read More