Category Archives: Estate Planning
What is a Durable Power of Attorney?
Have you been asked to sign a durable power of attorney? How does a durable power of attorney differ from a standard power of attorney? It’s important to understand how these power of attorney documents differ. It’s recommended you speak with a Washington DC estate planning attorney prior to allowing someone else to act… Read More »
Estate Planning for Same Sex Couples
If you are a same sex couple, married or not, you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to estate planning. Because there may be nuances in laws in varying states, it’s important to speak with a Washington DC estate planning attorney who has experience handling estate planning for the LGBT community. In 2015, the… Read More »
What to Know about Creating a Power of Attorney in Washington, DC
When discussing your estate planning needs, one important document to consider is a power of attorney. This form gives someone else the legal authority to act on your behalf. He or she can make important decisions regarding your financial affairs, medical care, your business, and even other personal aspects about your life in the… Read More »
What to Include in a Will
Estate planning is something that many people don’t want to think about, but it’s important to ensure you have a will at a minimum. A will lets your loved ones know exactly what your wishes are regarding assets and property when you pass away. While a will won’t escape a probate hearing, it will… Read More »
Common Questions about Wills in Washington DC
Drafting a will can seem straightforward, but there are a number of factors to consider, and certain aspects you need to factor in to ensure your will stands up to probate when you pass away. While you can draft a will on your own, having a knowledgeable Washington DC estate planning attorney is beneficial… Read More »
Why Use a Living Trust over a Will?
When you’re figuring out estate planning, many people automatically default to thinking about having a will prepared. However, have you thought about a living trust? Do you know the differences and why a living trust may be a better alternative to a standard will? Without either, your estate would likely pass to your spouse… Read More »
Overview of Small Estate Probate in Washington DC
For individuals who died after April 26, 2001, and whose assets didn’t exceed $40,000, a small estate probate proceeding is an alternative to standard probate. Opening a small estate proceeding allows the court to appoint a personal estate representative to settle claims and make a distribution of assets. These types of proceedings are typically… Read More »
Understanding the Difference Between Wills and Trusts
Many people have heard the terms wills, living wills, living trusts, and irrevocable trusts, but what do they all mean and which one do you really need and/or want? These can be a bit confusing, and each has advantages and disadvantages, which is why it’s important to consult a qualified Washington DC probate and… Read More »
Guardianship: Safety Net or Pitfall?
The legal world for most Americans is a murky one: an unknown cosmos of rules and regulations, which they hope never crosses over into their own. Unfortunately, the United States of America’s legal system doesn’t always work that way.Sometimes there are important legal steps that people should take to protect themselves from the unknowns… Read More »
Reasons Why You Should Not Add a Loved One’s Name to Your Deed
The question on whether or not to add a loved one’s name to a title deed is often asked by different groups of home owners. The elderly parent who hopes to bequeath the home to an adult child would assume that adding the name of the child would ensure that the property ownership falls… Read More »
