I. ONE PROBLEM: LACK OF DIVERSITY The original version of this essay appeared on a since-discontinued blog. I updated the post after Justice Antonin Scalia died and President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland to replace him. The GOP leadership promised not to allow hearings on the nomination; they did not,

Over the Memorial Day weekend I revised my fee schedule for wills, trusts, and estate planning. Here is the new schedule: The Basics for New or Present College Students: $350 Durable Power of Attorney Healthcare Proxy/Medical Power of Attorney Living Will/Advance Healthcare Directive FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

The largest generational transfer of wealth in history is taking place as baby boomers retire and sell their assets. The Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that around 10 million baby boomer-owned businesses will change hands between 2019 and 2029. As these business owners approach retirement, it becomes crucial for them

You’ve crossed the finish line of estate planning – congratulations! That carefully crafted will, trust, and power of attorney are poised to carry out your wishes. But the journey’s not quite over. Now comes the crucial question: where do you store these vital documents? Let’s explore the possibilities, each with

Discussing estate planning with your family during the holidays can be a sensitive but important conversation. Think of it as setting the stage for a future where everyone’s on the same page. Here are three tips to help make it a productive and positive experience: 1. Choose the Right Moment:

Myth #1: Only Mentally Competent People Can Appoint a POA This one’s straightforward. If someone isn’t mentally fit, they can’t sign legal documents like a Power of Attorney (POA). Even if you have a note from the doctor saying someone’s not mentally well, it doesn’t automatically mean they can appoint

Part 1: Understanding the Problem When planning for what happens to our assets after we pass away, many of us worry about how our family will manage expenses like funeral costs, debts, and taxes. Sometimes, the things we own, like a family business or certain investments, are not easy to

The Canadian Lawyer recently published an article entitled “Settlement Counsel; a little-known idea that appeals to many in-house counsel.” This relatively new concept may appeal not only to in-house counsel but also to litigation counsel. When a reasonable settlement offer comes in the midst of trial preparation, the litigators may

Are you approaching divorce, facing some other conflict in your personal life, or dealing with a civil dispute? Consider pro se mediation as a way to resolve your issues without hiring lawyers. Pro se mediation, where individuals represent themselves in the mediation process, can offer several advantages over traditional litigation.