Most people do not want to be a "bother" to their spouse, children, family and friends. Most people want to protect their assets and have things handled efficiently and in a cost effective manner. I believe in my [sum_y start_year='27/11/1991'] years of law practice that I have never had a client say "I want this to be complicated, take a…Read More

It’s important to plan carefully if you are planning to file for bankruptcy and you know you have a large inheritance or gift coming your way. Inheritance And Gifts After Filing In Chapter 7, an inheritance you acquire, or become legally entitled to acquire, within 180 days after filing generally becomes part of the bankruptcy estate, subject to applicable exclusions…Read More

Below is an excerpt from an interesting article discussing Estate Planning In A Blended Marriage. For the full article, you can click the link below: From the Aiken Standard: The best definition of a blended family is one in which one or both spouses enter the marriage with children from a previous marriage. Believe it or not, these relationships now…Read More

It’s a tale that’s so old, it’s documented in ancients stories and religion: Child wants money against Dad’s better judgment. Dad gives child his inheritance. Child spends the money on foolish things and comes home broke. No parent wants to see an inheritance, their legacy left for their child, wasted. So what do you do when an heir comes asking…Read More

Question: Collection Judgment and Interest I have some collection judgments that were entered almost 10 years agao for $16,000. The interest on the judgment is now over $18,000. Can I file a bankruptcy and discharge all of it? Answer from Christopher A. Benson: As long as the underlying debt is not considered a "Non Dischargeable Debt" as defined by 11…Read More

Do you need an estate plan when you are young? One of the hallmarks of being young is feeling that you’re invincible and nothing can happen to you. But no matter how young you are, if you’re married, own property or other valuable assets, or have a life insurance policy, you need a plan for what happens to those things…Read More

Having a baby is the most exciting part of a couple’s life. But after the showers are over and the baby is home safe, it’s time to start thinking about the future once again. Life insurance and family trusts Once you add a child to your family, there are several things you need to do for the security of yours—and their—financial…Read More

When Farrah Fawcet died, she left behind a revocable living trust in which she deeded her art collection to the University of Texas. However, her partner of many years and the father of her child, Ryan O’Neal, removed an Andy Warhol painting from her home. Now, the University already had a copy of this particular painting, but it sued O’Neal…Read More

It seems logical that if you go to all the trouble and expense of planning a trust, you would certainly remember to fund it. However, this is a common mistake people make. Signing a trust document does not by itself transfer every asset into the trust. Funding should be coordinated asset by asset with your attorney; the appropriate steps depend…Read More

The following a recent question received: Q. My father passed away January 19, 2014. His current wife will not let us see his Will. When can we (his children) be able to see his Will? My father told us he had a will made up in 2005 and we were to be in good hands. I am XX years old…Read More