Monthly Archives: April 2011
How Successful CEOs Keep the Family Business in the Family
How long will your family business stay in the family? One generation? Two generations? How about 4 generations down the line? The truth is that very few family business stay in the family beyond the first generation. Statistically, Only 40% of family owned businesses survive to the second generation, 12% to the third, and… Read More »
How Long Will It Take for the VA to Process My Application?
One of the most common questions I get from our clients is how long it will take for the VA to make a decision about their Aid and Attendance Application. I have been told by the VA that their decision process has three phases: The Development Phase (102-139 days): During this phase, the VA… Read More »
One Simple Step Now Can Save Time and Money Later
Being named as the executor of the estate of a deceased loved one comes with many challenges, including dealing with the probate system, and refereeing unhappy family members; but one of the most difficult (and least discussed) challenges is sorting through the plethora of paper and information that people collect over the course of… Read More »
Memories Make Your Legacy About More Than Property Alone
Have you ever wished you could go back in time and know your mother or father as a young person? Have you researched your family history or genealogy and kicked yourself for not asking your grandparents about their knowledge and experiences when you had a chance? Technology has changed so much in the past… Read More »
New Criteria for Alzheimer’s Can Lead to Early Diagnosis, Better Treatment and Planning
Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating illness which affects families all over the country; from the adult child who fears that her father’s recent forgetfulness might be a harbinger of something more sinister, to the elderly gentleman who wonders how he will possible pay for the care his beloved wife requires. Over the years, the… Read More »
What If Mom Can’t Sign Forms from the VA?
Many of our older clients are physically unable to sign their name. The VA does not recognize a power of attorney and so no one but the veteran or surviving spouse can sign VA forms unless the VA has appointed a fiduciary to act on the claimant’s behalf. The family members then wonder what… Read More »
Protecting Your Children with a Nomination of Guardians
Choosing a guardian for your minor child could be one of the most personal decisions you ever make—it’s also one of the most important, which is why many couples turn to an attorney they trust to not only help them draft their nomination document, but also help advise them in this crucial decision. With… Read More »
New Portability Provision Should be Considered with Caution
A new “Portability Provision” in The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Jobs Creation Act of 2010 has some couples excited about the financial possibilities. As explained in this article in the Wall Street Journal, the new portability provision “permits surviving spouses to elect to use the unused portion of the estate tax applicable… Read More »
When It Comes to Estate Plans, How Crazy is TOO Crazy?
We often mention on our blog how important it is to create an estate plan regardless of the size of your estate. We also frequently remind our readers of how flexible estate plans can be to protect your family in all the varied and unique ways you require. Well, just in case our word… Read More »
Why Should I Work With An Attorney to Apply for VA Benefits?
Applying for the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension can be both stressful and confusing. However, if you work with an attorney, the process can be a little less painful. Attorneys who are accredited to practice before the VA can help your family work through the entire process of applying for VA benefits, as well… Read More »