Pandemic downturn opens estate-planning opportunities
It’s not new news that many financial investments and bank accounts have taken a hit as a result of the global spread of coronavirus. According to most predictions, it’s likely to take some time for the markets to rally and the economy to pick up again. But there is a silver lining for some taxpayers, […]
Review your estate plan basics
The Covid-19 pandemic has offered a great reminder to review the elements of your estate plan. Below are some key items to consider. Set up a call with your estate planning lawyer to consider any specific details related to your own plan. Review your health care proxy and power of attorney: Be sure you are […]
How can 2 daughters be removed from a quitclaim without getting a third of my mom’s money when she sells her home?
My 85 year old mom is in the process of selling her home. Twenty five years ago she did a quitclaim. She thought she was just signing a form so that her home would go to the three of us when she dies. Now she is ready to come live with me and her money […]
Is it normal/ok to sign receipt of inheritance if I have not gotten the dispersement?
My sister is executrix of our father’s estate and I am in NY. She sent me this receipt and is saying she will not disperse the payment until I have signed and sent back this receipt saying I already received this. Can you do that? This seems strange. ANSWER BY MARGARET CROSS-BELIVEAU: When I represent […]
Is a verbal agreement binding?
Mother and stepfather verbally proposed I mothers son would inherit property if I stayed and took care of them..I have now been here 5 years . Mother passed first and now stepfather wants me to pay for the property after I have taken care of just him past 3 1/2 years. He has decided to […]
Parents have different beneficiaries in wills.
My step mother passed away about 2 months ago and my father is very sick and sedated. They created their wills about 10 years ago and just notarized them shortly before her death. She had expressed wanting to change her beneficiary to my but at the time of her death, it was her sister (secondary […]
Would I lose government benefits such as medicare, medicaid and medical assistance if I have Special Needs Trust?
I am looking to do Special Needs Trust for family member because she has disability and inherited little bit of money (below $50,000). Her family wants to do a family business. but she can’t be working by herself and managing her money so i think about Special Needs Trust but my concern if she gets […]
Consider going cash-free, with caution
There’s a growing trend toward cashless businesses. From clothing stores to coffee shops to salons, some businesses are implementing cash-free policies. Only credit and debit cards allowed. What’s behind the trend? Cash-free businesses (and credit advocates) say there are a number of benefits: Speed up the checkout process: It’s quicker to swipe or tap a […]
Passage of law to boost retirement savings anticipated by year-end
Retirement plan sponsors have been watching Congress closely, waiting on passage of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. The legislation, designed to boost Americans’ retirement savings, has implications for small businesses and individual savers alike. The bill is considered to have strong bipartisan support, and advocates are optimistic it will pass by […]
New bankruptcy rules give relief to small businesses
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is not an easy process, and rules have traditionally favored large businesses. Now, distressed small businesses will have a better chance at reorganization under a new subchapter of the federal bankruptcy code. The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, which will go into effect on Feb. 19, 2020, makes Chapter 11 reorganization […]
