The End-of-Life Conversation No one wants to start the end-of-life conversation. And yet, it’s a critical time in everyone’s life and one for which we know we need to prepare. While many people have the desire to share their wishes, something is preventing people from openly communicating with their families. As an important part of…
Your Student Loan Debt Death and debt are two topics that many people would rather not consider. Unfortunately, it appears that both of these are unavoidable. These days, especially for those pursuing advanced or professional degrees, student loan debt is a reality. College graduates graduate with an average debt of $17,126 and a total national…
Using Social Media for HOA Meetings Social media to encourage HOA participation in meetings can be a powerful tool for connecting with community members and sharing information they need to know. People who cannot attend HOA meetings because of scheduling conflicts may be more willing to like a photo or leave comments about an upcoming…
Your Beloved Collection Whether your beloved collection consists of artwork, books, cards, music, or other significant items, you should not forget about this valuable asset when estate planning. You have likely spent quite some time — whether years or your entire life — building your collection; you should not leave its fate to the whims…
Create Your Estate Planning Documents Cheaply? There are many software programs, as well as websites, that sell do-it-yourself estate planning documents. These websites and form tools seem to offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to consulting with an estate planning attorney. But do they meet your needs and protect your family? Is online, do-it-yourself estate…
Landlord-Tenant Disputes Landlord-tenant disputes are more common than many people realize—even when there is a carefully drafted lease or rental agreement. They may disagree about everything from privacy rights to access to the property to pet policies and late payments. Finding a solution that benefits both parties can be a challenge. Say, for example, that…
Negotiating Common Area Fee A common area maintenance (CAM) fee is a standard feature on commercial real estate leases. This fee covers the cost of maintaining the parts of the building shared by all the tenants. Common areas typically include restrooms, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, and parking lots. You want these areas to be clean, safe,…
Why Do You Need to Think Before You Sign? Beneficiary Designations and a Blended Family: Whether you are in your first marriage or have remarried after a divorce, blended families are a common part of modern society. That being said, it is important to understand that blended families and subsequent marries create important and unique…
Are Your Documents Following the Same Script? Basics of Beneficiary Forms and Estate Planning – In the event of your untimely death, how your beneficiaries — or those people who receive your assets from your estate — are determined is highly dependent on how your property is titled. Generally, property with title includes vehicles, boats,…
POD Accounts payable-on-death accounts also called POD accounts, is a common way to keep bank and investment accounts out of probate, the court-supervised process that oversees distributing a deceased person’s property. Most people want to avoid their estate going through probate because their heirs will receive the inheritance faster, privately, and at a lower cost.…