Many non-legal professionals, such as realtors, bankers, or mortgage brokers might still insist that real estate contracts and closings can be accomplished without the assistance of an attorney. They argue that the expense is too great, especially when customers are paying so much in other expenses related to selling or buying their home or obtaining… Continue reading
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Estate Planning In The Current Crisis
The coronavirus crisis has caused our society to generally shut down. Businesses and schools are closed, and people have been ordered to stay home. Other than essentials like groceries and pharmaceuticals, people aren’t in the market for a whole lot more. But the fact of matter is – most people don’t have an estate plan,… Continue reading
Powers of Attorney Problems (POAs)
My mantra as an estate planning attorney is “Estate Planning is all about planning for everything you own and everyone you care about – including yourself.” It’s this last concept that is most often overlooked in the process — there is a lot more to think about when you plan for the future than what… Continue reading
Saving through your Mortgage Escrow
SAVING THROUGH YOUR MORTGAGE ESCROW If you own your own home, odds are you financed the purchase of the real estate with a mortgage. Usually, the lender requires the buyer/borrower to escrow funds to assure the payment of real estate taxes and hazard insurance. This escrow is funded as part of the monthly mortgage payments —… Continue reading
Helping Seniors Avoid the Pitfalls of Do-it-Yourself Estate Planning
All of us have people in our lives who are aging. Grandparents or parents, Uncles and Aunts, people we go to church with, or people we work with. Getting older always has the same consequences – bodies deteriorate, sight dims, hearing is more difficult. Reflexes are slower, aches and pains seem more pronounced, memory issues… Continue reading