Tag Archives: wills
Three Celebrity Probate Disasters and Tragic Lessons
One would assume that celebrities with extreme wealth would take steps to protect their estates. But think again: some of the world’s richest and most famous people enter the pearly gates with no estate plan, while others have made estate planning mistakes that tied up their fortunes and heirs in court for years. Let… Read More »
Electronic Wills: What are they, and should I use one?
What Are Electronic Wills? It was not very long ago that all legal documents were printed on paper and signed with a pen. But in today’s world, where we sign commercial contracts, form and run businesses, and buy everything from groceries to cars online, it seems almost prehistoric for state laws to require that… Read More »
Pour-Over Will: Not Your Average Will
Wills and trusts are the two basic legal instruments that people use to pass accounts and property on to their loved ones at death. Although a revocable living trust is often used in place of a will, the two are not mutually exclusive. You can have both a will and a trust, and in… Read More »
What is a Will?
If you asked a group of people, “What is a will?” you may be surprised to find out that many people do not know exactly what a will can (and cannot do). However, having a clear understanding of the purpose, benefits, and limitations of a will is extremely important. What is a Will, and… Read More »
Coping With More Days of Pandemic Uncertainty
We have vaccines, however the rollout has been slower than expected. COVID-19 is raging throughout many states. So how do we continue to maintain strong mental health during the next several months after enduring so much already? The human being is hardwired to evaluate risks that can interfere with our wellbeing. However, these evolved… Read More »
A Will Does Much More Than Transfer Your Assets
Caring.com annual estate planning survey for 2019 found that 57% of U.S. adults do not have a Last Will & Testament (a “Will”). The survey found that participants were more likely or less likely to have a Will depending on issues such as age, race, and education. For example, when broken down generationally, 66% of people… Read More »
Online Estate Planning During COVID-19 Pandemic from Start to Finish
As you have probably heard by now, keeping physical distance between us is crucial to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Call or email McDonald Law Firm to find out how we can help you complete your online estate planning during COVID-19, without taking a single step outside the safe confines of your… Read More »
The Risks of DIY Wills
There has been an explosion in the numbers of Americans rushing to make their will online. Understandably, the coronavirus pandemic has created the scramble to set up wills and end-of-life-directives. However, online do it yourself wills, (or “DIY wills”) are often deemed invalid as they do not comply with all of the legal requirements… Read More »
Estate Planning Myths: Why Me, Why Now … and is a Will Enough?
Marylanders – you have worked hard for years, have family members and friends you care about, and have approached a time in your life when “estate planning” sounds like something you should do … but you are not exactly sure why. You may feel that you are not wealthy enough – or not old… Read More »
Estate Planning for Military Families: Are You Protected? (UPDATED: August 2019)
No matter the time of year, it is always a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up — or revising an existing —estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members… Read More »
