The divorce rate hovers around 50 percent for first-marriages in the U.S. with a significant percentage of those divorces resulting in a remarriage that creates a blended family. Remarriage that creates a blended family can be tough on everyone. Making sure you have a comprehensive estate plan in place ensures that everyone you care about is protected. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law discuss remarriage, blended families, and estate planning. How a Blended Family … [Read more...] about Remarriage, Blended Families, and Estate Planning
Why Estate Planning Is Crucial for Non-Married Couples
Not all that long ago, an unmarried man and woman living together were thought of as “living in sin” and were often ostracized by society. Today, however, more and more couples are choosing to cohabitate prior to, or in lieu of, marriage. If you are one of those unmarried couples, a Grand Forks estate planning attorney at German Law explains why estate planning is crucial. Is Marriage No Longer Desirable? In one of those ironic twists of fate, people who are old enough to remember when … [Read more...] about Why Estate Planning Is Crucial for Non-Married Couples
When Your Grandchildren Have Special Needs Estate Planning Is Crucial
Grandparents play a unique role in the lives of their grandchildren. Typically, they get to have all the fun with little of the responsibility where their grandchildren are concerned. At the same time, they can pass down their wisdom and life lessons to their grandchildren, providing them with invaluable advice and guidance. Grandparents also frequently include their grandchildren in their estate plans. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain why it is imperative that you … [Read more...] about When Your Grandchildren Have Special Needs Estate Planning Is Crucial
SSI vs. SSDI — Understanding the Difference
Disability can strike at any time, and when it does it frequently causes financial hardship along with emotional and/or physical pain. When an individual is unable to work for the foreseeable future, they may qualify for a federal assistance program that can help replace the income lost because of the disability. Both the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program offer monthly monetary assistance to those who qualify. The Grand Forks estate … [Read more...] about SSI vs. SSDI — Understanding the Difference
How to Leave Gifts to Charities in Your Estate Plan
For some people, philanthropy is a way of life. If you are one of those people, you probably have several charities that are dear to your heart and to which to donate on a regular basis. Those charities may even have come to depend on your donations. What happens when you are gone? Can you use a trust to carry on your charitable gifting after your death? The Grand Forks trust attorneys at German Law offer some suggestions to help you continue your charitable gifting through the creation of a … [Read more...] about How to Leave Gifts to Charities in Your Estate Plan
Top 3 Reasons to Have an Estate Plan
If you have yet to create an estate plan, you have probably had to listen to well-meaning friends and family tell you that you need to get busy creating your estate plan. For that advice to take root, however, you likely need motivation. Understanding why you need an estate plan may help convince you to get started on your plan. With that in mind, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law offer three important reasons to have an estate plan: To ensure that you decide what … [Read more...] about Top 3 Reasons to Have an Estate Plan
Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Senators Sanders and Whitehouse have introduced legislation in the Senate which would significantly alter the Estate Planning landscape. It would dramatically change the tools we use to plan for our clients. Time is of the essence. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
The Academy takes learning seriously. The Academy’s Spring Summit included numerous substantive legal education sessions, as well as sessions on marketing and law office management. The virtual conference also included opportunities for networking and fun. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
The Problem with Using DIY Estate Planning Forms
If you have yet to create even a basic estate plan, you likely have well-meaning friends and/or family members who are urging you to do so. That pressure may cause you to consider using “Do-It-Yourself” estate planning forms in the rush to get a plan in place. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain why using DIY estate planning forms is not a good idea. Why Are DIY Forms So Problematic? Admittedly, it can be tempting to go the DIY route to create your estate plan … [Read more...] about The Problem with Using DIY Estate Planning Forms
When a Parent Needs Medical Treatment and the Adult Children Cannot Agree, What Happens?
If you find yourself facing the reality that someone needs to step in and make health care decision for your parent, it will me an emotionally trying experience. What happens if you and your siblings cannot agree on who should make those decisions? What options are available to settle your dispute? A Grand Forks elder law attorney at German Law discusses what happens when siblings cannot agree on medical treatment for a parent. Experiencing the Role Reversal As your parents age, there may … [Read more...] about When a Parent Needs Medical Treatment and the Adult Children Cannot Agree, What Happens?
