Estate planning is the tool that allows individuals to control how their assets and lives will be managed in case of their incapacitation or death. One common misconception is that estate planning is solely for the wealthy....more
For young adults, the inevitable is typically not at the forefront when it comes to making future plans, precluding many from giving any thought to what may happen to their assets on death. In reality, all young adults should...more
Over the past few months, life has changed dramatically for a majority of North Carolinians. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for individuals to have estate planning documents, including a will, durable powers of...more
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an atmosphere of stress of a magnitude which is virtually unprecedented in most of our lifetimes. The reality of this crisis has forced many individuals to examine what they can do to protect...more
Q: What is estate planning? Johanna Wise Sullivan: Estate planning entails planning for the care of your family and your assets in the event of your death or incapacity as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. This includes...more
While business owners frequently devote substantial resources to growing their business, they often forget to think of themselves along the way. Originally published in The Press-Enterprise and other Southern California...more
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it is important to start planning immediately. There are several essential documents to help you once you become incapacitated, but if you don't already have...more
An estate plan can be a complicated thing. Attorneys, accountants, advisors all may be involved in pulling together a customized plan that conforms to your desires, complies with state and federal law and minimizes your tax...more
Usually, estate planning involves the creation of an updated will, a health care directive, and assigning a power of attorney. But sometimes an estate needs more, especially when a large or growing inheritance is involved....more
With the introduction of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Act), the world of estate planning has been injected with a dose of certainty after more than 10 years of uncertainty as to federal estate, gift and...more