Informational Blogs
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: 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 U.S.C. 523 of the…Read More
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 if you were to die. At the very least, every…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. Once you add a child to your family, there are several things you need to do for the security of yours—and their—financial future. Take out life insurance.…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. No matter how much money you spend or advice you get in setting up a trust, it can’t operate without being funded. To be funded, you need transfer…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
Most people are concerned about providing for their children, but when you have special-needs children, it goes beyond just providing your children with a nest egg after your death. Special-needs children need both to be provided for in part or full, but also have someone who can supervise their care for the rest of their lives. First, you need to…Read More
Question: I attended the University of Arkansas in 2006 before leaving and moving to WA. I took out a private student loan (cosigned by my grandmother) in early 2007 to pay the past due tuition of 15050, which I have been making regular payments on since. The check was mailed directly to me and not the school. I didn't have…Read More