The High Cost of Cheap Estate Plans
When it comes to protecting your family and your legacy, estate planning is one area where “you get what you pay for” often applies. While low-cost, fill-in-the-blank documents and “cookie cutter” options may seem like a smart way to save money now, the long-term costs (in stress, conflict, and unintended consequences) are often far greater […]
I Have Foreign Relatives – How Can My Estate Plan Take Them into Account?
If you have loved ones who live outside the United States, international estate planning presents a unique (and often frustrating!) challenge. Whether you’re a US citizen hoping to leave assets to a sibling abroad or a green card holder with family in your home country, the legal and tax implications can be far more complex […]
Paying for a Funeral without Access to Your Loved One’s Assets
Losing a loved one is brutal enough. You’re struggling to process and accept the loss on your own terms, and there’s no simple or straightforward path to get to that point. The burden of arranging a funeral can add even more stress – especially when you don’t have immediate access to your loved one’s assets […]
Wills, Trusts, and Deeds: What Are My Basic Estate Planning Options?
We get this question all the time. The topic of estate planning comes up, someone lets out an exasperated sigh and says, “I don’t care about all that complicated stuff. I wish someone would just explain the basic options to me.” Okay– let’s do that! Whether you’re planning for your family’s future or ensuring that […]
When You Don’t Plan, It’s Your Loved Ones Who Will Suffer
We’ve talked endlessly about the numerous problems that can result from procrastinating on your estate plan. If the worst happens, you won’t have control over what you leave behind or who it goes to. Responsibilities that are often frustrating, exhausting, and painful will fall to a surviving, grieving family member – possibly upon you, if […]
Enjoying Every Moment: How Estate Planning Can Enhance Your Retirement Experience
Unless I win the lottery tomorrow, I’m not particularly close to retirement. I’m not putting much thought into how I’ll be spending my Golden Years, considering long cruises in the Caribbean, or contemplating a move to the Villages or Sun City anytime soon. I normally wouldn’t be thinking about Alzheimer’s, dementia care, or the effects […]
Estate Planning for Young Adults: Why It’s Never Too Early to Start
Estate planning often conjures images of retirement, substantial assets, and complex legal documents—not young people and carefree lifestyles! However, the reality is quite the contrary. Estate planning matters for everyone, regardless of age, family status, or wealth. Starting the legacy planning process for young people not only prepares them for unforeseen circumstances but also establishes […]
Planning for Your Pets: Pet Trusts and Other Options
Many of you know that we’re a dog-friendly business; our office dog, Sammy, comes to work every day here at the Slaton Schauer Law Firm, PLLC. Pets are not only occasional co-workers, but are often members of the family as well– deserving of care and protection even in the absence of their owners. Planning for […]