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Legacy Contacts and Estate Planning
When we think about estate planning, we typically think about Wills, Trusts, and who will inherit our assets. Often overlooked are our digital assets: the photographs, messages, and documents stored in iCloud. Will your loved ones be able to access them? Not necessarily.
Question: My mom had a Will from 10 years ago that left everything equally to me and my siblings. Right before she died, I found out my brother made her sign a new Will that left everything to him. I don’t think she understood what she was signing. What should I do?
Question: My mother passed away about six months ago. My father recently executed estate planning documents with an Elder Law Attorney. He told me that he named me as his agent under a Power of Attorney. Since I am married, is it necessary for me to have a Power of Attorney or can my wife handle everything if needed?
Losing a spouse is an extremely difficult time in life and handling the administration of their estate can be a stressful experience. When you are ready, it is important to seek the advice of an estate planning and elder law attorney to discuss what needs to be done on behalf of your spouse’s estate and also what planning you need to do for your own estate.
If you are the beneficiary of an estate or trust and you think that the fiduciary or person in charge is not meeting their obligations, there are procedures in which they can be removed. Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act “SCPA” § 719 lists several grounds upon which a fiduciary can be removed.
Sixty-Eight percent of Americans use some form of social media. What happens to our photographs, conversation, and videos when we die?
Question: Can I name my 10 year old grandchild as beneficiary on my IRA?
Question: My father recently passed away. I have one brother and one sister. The will divides the assets equally among the three of us. My father’s will has nominated my sister as Executor. She declared bankruptcy several years ago and I do not think that she should serve as Executor. Do you have any advice?
Question: My mother just passed away. She did not have a Will, but I know that she wanted me to inherit everything as I am her only child. She was estranged from her husband, who is not my father. I am afraid that without a Will her assets will be taken by the State. What is going to happen?
Question: I have three grandchildren and want to start saving for their college education. Is opening a 529 Plan advisable? What are the implications with respect to my grandchild’s financial aid eligibility and my own estate plan?
Question: I am the Executor of my mom’s estate and there is only $10,000 left in her bank account. A year before she died, my mom had much more money. I think someone may have taken her money before she died. What should I do?
Our Blog
Partner Britt Burner, Esq. explains how often to review your estate planning documents and the life changes that may prompt a review.
