The Netflix movie I Care a Lot provides a dark, violent, and somewhat comedic take on the real life and not-at-all funny dangers of the legal (and sometimes corrupt) guardianship system. While the film’s twisting plot may seem far fetched, it sheds light on a tragic phenomenon—the abuse of seniors at the hands of crookedRead more

If you use Facebook to share, track, and report on important life events, it can provide an intimate snapshot of your life, and it can also serve as a key part of your legacy—and one you’ll likely want to protect following your death. With this in mind, as with any other digital asset you own,Read more

Through our series of articles about WandaVision, we’ve looked at the difference between a living will and a will and the importance of keeping an inventory of assets. In Episode 8, Agatha forces Wanda to process her traumatic memories. In one of these flashback scenes, we learn what really happened when Wanda went to S.W.O.R.D.Read more

In episode 5 of WandaVision, we learn that Vision’s body fell into the custody of the government agency S.W.O.R.D. after his death—against his expressed wishes that his body never be weaponized (explored in last week’s article here). Of course, we can only speculate about the laws that exist in the fictional MCU. Still, based onRead more

A will, an advance healthcare directive, and a power of attorney are the foundational elements of the most basic estate plans. Out of the three, people would consider themselves generally most familiar with the idea of a will; however, an incorrect understanding of what the term truly means often leaves room for misunderstanding. One ofRead more

A will, an advance healthcare directive, and a power of attorney are the foundational elements of the most basic estate plans. Out of the three, people would consider themselves generally most familiar with the idea of a will; however, an incorrect understanding of what the term truly means often leaves room for misunderstanding. One ofRead more

Both wills and trusts are estate planning documents used to pass on wealth and property to loved ones upon death. However, trusts come with some distinct advantages over wills that you should consider when creating your plan. That said, when comparing the two planning tools, you won’t necessarily be choosing between one or the other—mostRead more

If you’re an animal lover and have a pet of your own, you likely consider your pet to be a member of the family. And since your pets can provide protection, emotional support, and unconditional love, such consideration is often well deserved. In stark contrast, the law considers your pet nothing more than personal property.Read more

When it comes to putting off or refusing to create an estate plan, your mind can concoct all sorts of rationalizations: “I won’t care because I’ll be dead,” “I’m too young,” “That won’t happen to me,” or “My family will know what to do.” But these thoughts all come from a mix of pride, denial,Read more

In the weeks before her death from ovarian cancer, author Amy Krouse Rosenthal gave her husband Jason one of the most treasured gifts a person could receive. She penned the touching essay “You May Want to Marry My Husband” in the New York Times as a final love letter to him. The essay took theRead more

Last week, we shared the first part of this series discussing the hidden dangers of do-it-yourself estate planning. In part two, we cover one of the greatest risks posed by DIY documents. You might think you can save time and money by using do-it-yourself estate planning documents you find online. You’re probably anxious to checkRead more

Go online, and you’ll find tons of websites offering do-it-yourself estate planning documents. Such forms are typically quite inexpensive. Simple wills, for example, are often priced under $50, and you can complete and print them out in a matter of minutes.It’s no surprise that this kind of thing might seem like a good deal inRead more

A comprehensive estate plan can protect the things that matter most. For many, this means their property and their family. Including provisions for the care of your children in your estate plan is essential for peace of mind. But many parents struggle with including such provisions as naming a legal guardian for their child inRead more

On October 15th, nearly two months after the death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, filed documents with the Los Angeles probate court seeking to be named administrator of his estate. Earlier this year, Boseman and Ledward were married, and the marriage gives Ledward the right to any assets heldRead more

On October 15th, nearly two months after the death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, filed documents with the Los Angeles probate court seeking to be named administrator of his estate. Earlier this year, Boseman and Ledward were married, and the marriage gives Ledward the right to any assets heldRead more

When it comes to estate planning, most people automatically think about taking legal steps to ensure the right people inherit their stuff when they die. And these people aren’t wrong.  Indeed, putting strategies in place to protect and pass on your wealth and other assets is a fundamental part of the planning equation. However, providingRead more

If you’re like most people, you likely think estate planning is just one more task to check off of your life’s endless “to-do” list. You may shop around and find a lawyer to create planning documents for you, or you might try creating your own DIY plan using online documents. Then, you’ll put those documentsRead more