The Handshake Agreement is Worth the Paper it is Written On

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Airplanes and Wills Co-ownership of an airplane is the cheapest way to fly. Many pilots start out in one of these. Variations of this type of ownership are flying clubs, fractional ownership, or unspoken agreements that more than one person fly an aircraft titled to one person. As the cost of aircraft maintenance and storage
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Common Questions About Medicaid and Medicaid Planning

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What Is Medicaid? Medicaid is a need-based medical assistance program administered by federal and state governments. It provides a wide range of medical services to the aged and disabled. You cannot exceed certain income and resource limits if you wish to qualify for Medicaid; you will probably need to “spend down” your assets until you
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Death Probate: What’s the Big Deal?

Many people often assume that, if they have a will, then there should be no need for a court proceeding upon death. After all, you spelled out all of your wishes in writing, and even signed your will at a lawyer’s office with witnesses and notaries, so why would a judge get involved? In reality,
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Even Vampires Need Estate Planning

I am often asked whether an estate plan is truly necessary, especially for those who feel they are too young to be concerned about death, incapacity or taxes.  In my professional opinion, unless you can guarantee that you are not going to die or become incapacitated anytime soon, then yes, you do need an estate
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Three Common Estate Planning Mistakes Made with Real Estate

Estate planning truly is the ultimate gift for your loved ones, and a comprehensive estate plan should always include a review of the titles and beneficiary designations for all assets to ensure they are consistent with your estate planning objectives. Otherwise, unintended consequences may ensue. Real estate, in particular, can be the cause of serious family conflict
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How Can I Avoid Probate?

Estate planning truly is the ultimate gift for your loved ones, and a comprehensive estate plan should always include a review of the titles and beneficiary designations for all assets to ensure they are consistent with your estate planning objectives. Otherwise, unintended consequences may ensue. The manner in which your assets are held will determine whether or
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The True Value of a Turtle Bell

My grandparents’ home in San Antonio, Texas was beautiful and mysterious, and was also one of the most uncomfortable places for a young child. Surrounded by irreplaceable artwork and collections from around the world, I learned from an early age not to touch anything. The only exceptions to this rule were two brass turtle hotel
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Buying a New Home? Make Sure Closing is a Happy Event!

Buying a home can be one of the happiest, most exciting days of your life!  It can also be one of the most stressful! And if the proper pieces aren’t in place, chances are your big day is going to be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. So how can you make sure your closing is a
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How to Make Sure Your Children Don’t Inherit at Age 18

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If you are the parent of minor children, then having a will in place is essential. In addition to designating guardians for your children and naming a personal representative (a/k/a “executor”), your will also sets forth the disposition of your estate upon your death and should include the creation of testamentary trusts to ensure your
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The Trouble with “I Love You” Wills

The most common estate planning document used by married couples is affectionately referred to by estate planning attorneys as the “I Love You” Will. Within this type of will, each spouse leaves all assets to the surviving spouse upon the first death, then to the couple’s joint children upon the second death. Provided you and
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