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Estate planning is critical for every person, but women in particular face challenges that make preparation essential to avoid hardship in later years. At slnlaw, we are fully conscious that estate planning is a human issue, but we know the statistics emphasize the importance for women specifically to exercise this task.
Continue reading “What Women Need to Consider During the Estate Planning Process”
So you’ve decided to have your will and estate plan drafted. This process involves identifying what assets you own, where they should go and how they should be given to the recipient. Another important step in estate planning is choosing an individual to oversee the entire process once you’re gone.
This person plays a critical role in the management and distribution of your assets after your passing, and they’re referred to as your personal representative. To have control over the individual chosen for this responsibility, you must name the person in your will. If you do not, the court will select a representative for you, which will most likely be your spouse or a close relative.
Continue reading “5 Factors to Consider When Naming a Personal Representative”
“Mom, dad, we need to talk.” Many people dread discussing financial arrangements with their elderly parents. It’s not easy reminding our parents that their time left on this earth is limited, but it’s necessary for their (and your) peace of mind.
So, what’s the best way to talk to your aging parents about estate planning? We’ve provided a few sincere approaches to help broach that intimate conversation.
Continue reading “How to Talk with Aging Parents About Estate Planning”
Whether you’re a newlywed or a retiree, you should have an estate plan. An estate plan is more than a will alone. An estate plan consists of multiple documents underlining the “whos,” “whats,” and “hows” of the management of your finances, assets and family matters in case of your absence.
As opposed to the average firm that may ask their clients to come prepared with countless document copies and no tough questions, our team offers guidance through every step of the process. In preparation for your first estate planning session, we came up with a brief list on how you can prepare to meet with us.
Continue reading “How to Prepare for Your First Estate Planning Session”
Change is inevitable, but preparation is not. If you don’t invest time in estate planning, your family could be caught unawares. With the new year upon us, why not add estate planning to your list of resolutions? Many unforeseen events occur every year, and in case of sudden misfortunes, it’s wise to protect your loved ones and assets. Below are five estate planning resolutions to consider for the new year:
Continue reading “5 Estate Planning Resolutions to Follow in the New Year”
You want peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are taken care of after your death. While it may be difficult to think about, preparing a will and revisiting former estate plans are the best way to prevent needless mistakes in the future, many of which could cost your family thousands of dollars.
Attorneys that are experienced in this area can help their clients avoid making these six disastrous estate planning mistakes:
Continue reading “6 Estate Planning Mistakes You Should Avoid”
It is common in many industries to use the services of individuals as independent contractors, or “1099 employees,” rather than putting them on payroll as W-2 employees. This is not exactly paying people “under the table,” as their income is reported on 1099 forms at the end of the year, but it is still a risky practice under Massachusetts law, and one which can cost an employer far more than the savings realized by using independent contractors.
There are some moments in life it’s impossible to prepare for on an emotional level. But when it comes to your finances, it is possible to be proactive. An estate planning lawyer can help.
Estate planning can help you at all times in your adult life, but you will see the greatest benefit the earlier you begin. Here are five key milestones where estate planning is essential:
Continue reading “Are You Prepared for These 5 Major Life Moments?”
Elika Sadeghi drew loads of attention last week for posting an employment contract offered to her by Barstool Sports which asked her to explicitly acknowledge that she would be working in a climate where she might be exposed to “nudity, sexual scenarios, racial epithets, suggestive gestures, profanity and references to stereotypes,” and to “expressly agree and represent” that she did not object to “such speech and conduct” and did not find it objectionable.
In response, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy posted a video in which he raged about Ms. Sadeghi’s actions, saying she was trying to make herself a part of a story that had nothing to do with her, that Barstool did not allow people to “grope” other employees and therefore, “We’re not Harvey Weinstein,” saying to Ms. Sadeghi “Well, f*** you for making us part of this story,” and concluding with “Hey Elika: keep your name off our lips” and “this is friggin’ garbage” as he walked angrily off tape.
Continue reading “An Employment Lawyer’s Take on the Barstool Sports Contract Controversy”
Everyone has an estate. It may not look like a sprawling mansion in the countryside, complete with a butler and a carriage driver, but in the eyes of Massachusetts law, if you have any assets to your name (even just a bank account), you have an estate.
It’s highly likely that your estate makes you richer than you think, and here’s why: your estate is more than just your home and your current bank account balance. It includes life insurance, annuities, business interests, retirement accounts and more.