You’ve Finally Done Your Healthcare Directives – Now What?
Healthcare directives can be vitally important, as recent cases, like that of Terry Schiavo, clearly brought to light. These important documents can mean the difference between your health care wishes being carried out or family members fighting over whether...
Tax Basis
A tax basis is essentially the purchase price of a piece of property. Whenever that property is sold, the seller must pay taxes on the difference between the sale price and the original purchase price. This concept applies to all property, including...
Glossary of Estate Planning Terms
So often, attorneys use words and phrases that to us we know exactly what the meaning is; yet we sometimes forget to explain to the client the exact meaning. Here is a glossary of some of the words used in estate planning.
Will - a written...
THE LAW OF FORCED HEIRSHIP IN LOUISIANA
Yes, it is true. Louisiana is the only state in the union that has forced heirship as a law. In estate planning, the concept of forced heirship is the one thing that most clients do not understand. So, I decided to write this article in an attempt to explain it...
A Terrible Scenario
I am seeing this terrible situation more and more, and if this blog can help one person correct this situation for their loved one’s, then I feel I have provided a great service. There is one thing about law practice – you do see some horrible situations that easily could have been...
8 Reasons Why Young People Should Write a Will
8 Reasons Young People Should Write a Last Will and Testament
Graduation from college is a good milestone to use as a reminder to create an estate plan. If you haven’t created a will by the time you marry – or are living with...
Estate Planning for the Chronically Ill
There are certain considerations that should be kept in mind for those with chronic illnesses. Before addressing this issue, there should be some clarification as to the definition of "chronically ill." There are at least two definitions of chronically ill. The...
CHILD BORN AFTER YOUR ESTATE PLAN IS IN PLACE
This question presents a fairly common issue posed to estate planning attorneys. The solution is also pretty easy to address in your will, trust and other estate planning documents, including any guardianship appointment for your minor children.
First, its important to note that...
Choosing the Right Guardian for your Children
First things first. Happy New Year. Just thought we would start off this new year with a discussion of one of the harder things estate planning makes us consider. If you are a parent and you are considering estate planning, one of...