On this page you will find several videos that tell a little about me, my practice and why everyone should have an estate plan. More videos are available on My YouTube Channel.
The un-lawyer like lawyer began the path right out of high school and now focuses on dealing with people who are going to die and families of those who did die. He tells his story about his journey to Estate Planning to help others.
What happens if you don’t plan? Will it be easy or a nightmare? If you do not plan, the Government will plan for you, which results in expense, delay and a public probate. If you plan poorly, then the nightmares begin… delay, expense, and emotional stress.
Guardianship — Preparing for the worst-case scenario of both parents passing away. Decide in advance who you want to raise your children and identify any family member that you definitely do NOT want to raise your children. Then prepare a nomination of guardian, either in your will or a standalone document. Then, to cover all the bases, prepare a trust that will manage any monies that are available to assist in raising your children.
Every person who passes away will need an Estate Administration. It is the orderly transfer of assets to the next generation, protecting the creditors, heirs, and beneficiaries. Administration can be Good, Bad or Ugly. Your plan will determine if your family goes through a Good, Bad, or Ugly experience depending on how you plan.
Taxes are not and should not be the driving force for estate planning. The reasons for Estate Planning is to protect your family, provide for your spouse and preserve all your assets for your children and grandchildren. You can protect the next generations in ways they cannot protect themselves and at the same time leaving a legacy that will benefit them for years.
What matters most in Estate Planning – more than money – An Estate Plan infused with Values, Principles, and Guidelines in your words, prepares the family for their inheritance. A true legacy provides guidance through formative years. Learn how to identify the values that mean the most to you.
Should someone on the younger side of middle age have an Estate Plan? Do you know the future? NO! With an extended family, everyone is in the pit and you will never have “normal” but instead, a “new normal”. The plan and the attorney can help find the new normal when the glue that holds the family together is gone.
Estate Planning is for people of all ages; children, young couples, middle aged, senior citizens in their go-go years, slow-go years, and no-go years – whatever stage of life you are in.