To Your Better Future

  WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS BEHIND CREATING AN ESTATE PLAN? When it comes to creating an estate plan, there is no "one size fits all" approach. Just as each individual is unique, so should their estate plan. An estate plan is not merely a legal document; it's a reflection of your values, priorities, and wishes for the future. As an estate planning attorney, I often tell my clients that we should design a plan for the next 2-5 years and hope that the same plan would work for subsequent years if they didn't make any changes. However, it's essential to recognize that life is dynamic, and circumstances can change. Therefore, ideally, everyone should revisit their estate plan every 2-3 years to ensure its continued relevance. The very first step in creating a comprehensive estate plan is to identify your goals and wishes clearly. Start by asking yourself: What do you want to achieve with your estate plan? The answers to this question can vary significantly from person to per...

I already have a Revocable Living Trust in place. Why do I need a Power of Attorney?  When it comes to estate planning, there is no 'one size fits all' approach. Hence, an estate planner must think ahead and plan for unanticipated circumstances. A power of attorney is a very powerful tool and an integral part of a comprehensive estate plan. A power of attorney is a legal document that grants authority to one person (the agent) to act on behalf of another person (the principal). The principal voluntarily delegates certain powers and responsibilities to the agent, allowing them to make decisions and take action on matters specified in the document. The agent can act on behalf of the principal in financial, legal, healthcare, and other important affairs, depending on the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney. If a power of attorney is durable, it remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated, such as due to illness or an accident. However, a power of attor...

  Will v. Trust: When it comes to securing your legacy and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, will-based estate planning stands as a time-tested and reliable option. A last will is a legal document that allows you to outline how you want your property and possessions distributed after your passing. The key phrase here is "after your passing". By clearly stating your intentions in your will, you provide your loved ones with the guidance they need during a difficult time. However, once the testator (the person who wrote the will) dies, their wishes cannot be enforced automatically by their personal representative who was appointed in the will. The will must be probated in order to enforce the wishes of the testator. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets and estate are administered and distributed according to their will, potentially causing delays and expenses. The probate process, although not the worst thing in t...

  ABOUT ME:  Welcome to my blog, where passion, knowledge and personal experience converge to empower individuals and families as they navigate the intricate realm of estate planning. I am thrilled to introduce myself as a lawyer, an estate planner, and a mom to a child with special needs, a.k.a. a warrior. It is my journey as a special needs mother that truly fuels my drive to go above and beyond for families facing similar circumstances. I understand firsthand the complexities, emotions, and challenges that come with planning for the financial well-being and care of a loved one with special needs. My mission with this blog is to extend my knowledge, experience, and unwavering dedication to a wider audience. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to plan for their future with confidence and clarity. In this blog, we will explore a myriad of topics related to estate planning, all with a keen focus on special needs considerat...