How Does Bankruptcy Affect Estate Planning

posted: November 15, 2010

There were recent reports that Wall-Street economist have declared the recession officially over. I am not certain through whose eyes they determined this. I look around and still see far too many families struggling to recover to consider it over.   And while I acknowledge things may be improving on some level, I still find it [...]

4 Reasons Why Young Professionals Need an Estate Plan

posted: November 5, 2010

As a North Carolina estate planning attorney, I know young professionals have a lot to think about…starting their careers, buying their first home, starting a family.  All of these accomplishments are just the beginning of many bigger life events to come. So it is a rare day when someone in this generation wants to think [...]

Estate Plan Needs And Concerns Change Along With Our Lives

posted: October 18, 2010

I gave a presentation to a 55 and older community in Cary, North Carolina this weekend.  I have always said that there are different estate planning objectives at each stage in life.  I don’t only say that because of my many years of experience in this area, but it is also confirmed by the types [...]

posted: August 16, 2010

Not every asset is handled in the same way when transferring it (also known as “funding the trust”) into the Revocable Living Trust.  As a matter of fact, there are certain types of assets that if transferred into the Revocable Living Trust will cause significant tax consequences.  A common manner in naming a Revocable Living [...]

Top 4 Beneficiary Issues to Consider with your Retirement Accounts

posted: July 1, 2010

Have you checked your beneficiary designation for your retirement account recently? If not, you may find that your designated beneficiary is not who or what you think it should be, especially if you have divorced, remarried or had children since your retirement plan account was established. 1.  Outdated Beneficiary Designations There have been numerous cases [...]