Category Archives: Estate Planning
Own Property in D.C? Better call your lawyer!
The Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan D.C. has released a four-page memo detailing how landlords should proceed with regard to the cultivation and consumption of recreational marijuana on their properties. Most importantly, AOBA states off the bat, “we encourage members to consult an attorney for guidance on any lease modifications.” As of… Read More »
What is a living trust and how is it created?
A living trust is a trust that is created while the person who creates it (known as the “grantor” or “settlor”) is still living. The trust is created by the simple act of signing an instrument sometimes referred to as a “Declaration” or “Agreement of Trust.”However, no property is governed by the terms of… Read More »
Reducing Estate Taxes Through Comprehensive Estate Planning
Although state estate taxes vary, estates under $5.25 million are currently exempt from paying federal estate taxes. Reducing the taxable estate to be under this threshold amount is one of the main objectives of estate planning, and there are many strategies an estate lawyer can use to help you achieve this. An important tool… Read More »
A Fiduciary Duty: Who Should You Appoint Trustee?
You’ve built economic security during your lifetime through hard work and diligence. As you prepare your estate plan, you will likely utilize a combination of wills and trusts to minimize the burden of estate taxes, ensure your privacy and deliver hard-won assets to your named beneficiaries. In order to manage trust assets, you must… Read More »
Knowing When to Change Your Will
Despite the best laid plans, change happens. Details like estate plans may be overlooked or lost in the need to tend to financial or personal crises. What type of circumstances call for adjustment of your estate planning documents? Substantial change in wealth: If you experience either significant financial success or a decline in financial… Read More »
Understanding Guardianship Issues in Washington, DC
As part of any comprehensive estate plan, a durable power of attorney should be executed to designate an agent who can make health care and financial decisions on your behalf in the event that you become unable to care for yourself. In fact, each person over 18 should create a durable power of attorney… Read More »
What Happens if I Don’t Have a Will?
If you do not have a will, what happens to your property and money varies depending on where you live. In Washington, DC, the rules can get a little confusing. For example, if you pass away leaving behind a spouse or domestic partner, but no parents and no children, everything you owned at the… Read More »
Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, Living Wills and Living Trusts
Nobody likes to think about what happens when we die, especially when still relatively young and healthy. But careful estate planning can save you and your loved ones from all sorts of difficulties. With the right combination of wills and trusts, you can avoid expensive or protracted delays in probate court, ensure that your… Read More »
