Why Shouldn’t I use a form from the internet for my will?
In this computer age, when so many tasks are accomplished via the internet -- including banking, shopping, and important business communications -- it may seem logical to turn to the internet when creating a legal document such as a will . Certainly, there...
Why you should give your Spouse a Power of Attorney.
Married couples will often have legal estate documents prepared together. Such documents may include a will, leaving all property to the surviving spouse and/or the couple’s children, and a living will to direct the spouse how to handle medical issues if one spouse becomes incapacitated. However, another estate document may be beneficial for spouses...
A Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney? Or Do I Need Both?
Many people are confused by these two important estate planning documents. It’s important to understand the functions of each and ensure you are fully protected by incorporating both of these documents into your overall estate plan.
A “living will,” often called an advance health...
Reverse Mortgages and Older Americans
Perhaps you’ve seen the catchy commercials for a reverse mortgage stating that many older Americans are struggling to get by because they currently do not have enough in savings and retirement funds to manage their expenses, but yet many have equity in their homes. To solve the financial difficulties, the commercial recommends using a...
The Unique Louisiana Law of Forced Heirship
By Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, Esq.
One legal term I am most often asked to explain is forced heirship. Louisiana is the only state in the union which has forced heirship as a law. Let me reiterate that again. Louisiana is the only state. Thus, if you are talking to a wealth advisor from another...
4 Reasons Everyone Needs an Estate Plan
Many people are under the misconception that estate plans are only necessary for those with substantial wealth. In fact, estate plans are important for everyone who wants to plan for the future. For those unfamiliar with the concept, an estate plan coordinates the distribution of your assets upon your death. But that's not all,...
An Overview of Retirement Plan Options
Retirement planning is essential given ever-increasing life expectancies in the United States. Unfortunately, many Americans fail to save adequate amounts to make it through retirement. Often, individuals believe that they will be fine on Social Security. However, Social Security is only designed to compensate for 40% of your income; Social Security is designed to...
Pre-Printed Will Forms – Don’t
This will be a very brief article today, as it's fairly simple to explain.
The State of Louisiana has very specific rules as to the requirements of what makes a document a valid Last Will and Testament. Our rules are different from other parts of the country. For example, the law requires the testator to...
Using Your Will to Dictate How to Pay Off Debts
Most people realize that they can use their last will and testament to set out who should receive particular assets or income. However, few people understand that they can also describe how they would like specific debts paid off in their will as well. Unfortunately, many of your debts do not just disappear when...
Judgment of Possession – Transferring Title after Death
Attorneys sometimes forget that certain legal matters which we consider hornbook and obvious, to our clients it is uncharted territory. One such question I often get, and one that I do my best to make sure to explain fully to all clients so they know the answer, regards the transfer of a home to...