Living Trust Planning | Estate Planning Attorney

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  • 10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 2

    10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 2

    Welcome back to our discussion on securing a comfortable retirement! In the first part of this series, we explored essential steps including estate planning, preparing for long-term care, and passing on your legacy. As we continue with the second part of our series, we’ll delve into additional areas that are crucial for ensuring your golden years are not only financially stable but also enriched with independence, health, and continued personal growth. So let’s pick up where we left off.

    Step 6: Consider Your Housing Needs

    Why It’s Important: Adapting your living environment to meet your changing mobility and health needs can enhance your independence and quality of life (and who doesn’t want that?!). As physical abilities change with age, a home that accommodates these changes can help maintain a higher level of independence, reduce the risk of accidents, and potentially delay or avoid the need for an assisted living facility. Moreover, comfortable and accessible living conditions contribute significantly to happiness and well-being in your later years.

    Practical Steps:

    Assess Home Accessibility: Evaluate your home for potential mobility issues and consider modifications like ramps, wider doorways, or bathroom grab bars.

    Explore Senior-Friendly Housing Options: If extensive modifications are too costly or impractical, consider moving to a senior-friendly community that offers additional amenities and services.

    Get In Touch With Us. We offer elder care planning to help you navigate your options and create a plan that preserves your assets for your loved ones, rather than draining them for housing and health care costs.

    Step 7: Embrace Technology for Independence

    Why It’s Important: Modern technology can significantly improve the convenience and safety of daily life for seniors. Technologies that assist with daily tasks can extend independence, reduce caregiver burden, and enhance your overall quality of life. Additionally, health-monitoring technologies can alert caregivers and medical professionals to potential health issues before they become severe, ensuring timely medical intervention.

    Practical Steps:

    Consult with Us. Most people who have estate plans with health care documents have them stored on a shelf and aren’t accessible when they need them. That’s no good in the event of an emergency. But we have a system in place to ensure your documents are always kept current and easily accessible.

    Health Monitoring Technologies: Employ devices that can monitor vital signs and remind you to take medications. Your doctor may be able to help with this.

    Consider Using Smart Home Devices: You can automate lighting, heating, and security to manage your home environment easily. If you aren’t technologically savvy, ask a younger family member to help. Gen Z can figure that out in a heartbeat!

    Step 8: Stay Active and Engaged

    Why It’s Important: Active engagement in physical, social, and mental activities can significantly enhance your quality of life and health in retirement. Maintaining an active lifestyle helps prevent common age-related health problems, improves mental health, and provides valuable social interactions that can combat loneliness and depression. When you engage in a variety of activities, you also keep your mind sharp and gain a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

    Practical Steps:

    Join Community Groups or Clubs: Engage in activities that match your interests, such as book clubs, gardening, or volunteering. If you’re active on Facebook, you can find groups there that meet in your local community. Joining online groups counts too!

    Regular Exercise: Participate in senior-friendly exercise programs to maintain health and mobility.

    Pursue New Learning Opportunities: Consider taking classes at local community colleges or online to keep your mind sharp and learn new skills.

    Step 9: Develop a Sustainable Retirement Budget

    Why It’s Important: A well-planned budget is crucial to ensure that your savings last throughout your retirement years. A sustainable budget helps you manage your finances effectively, avoiding overspending and ensuring that you have funds available for unexpected expenses. A good budgeting practice can also help you maintain a comfortable lifestyle while safeguarding against market volatility and economic downturns.

    Practical Steps:

    Identify Essential vs. Non-Essential Expenses: Consider making adjustments to your spending habits if needed to ensure you can cover necessary costs while still enjoying your retirement.

    Plan for Unexpected Costs: Include a buffer in your budget for unforeseen expenses to avoid financial strain.

    Consult with Us. We’ll help you get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before. You’ll create a complete asset inventory so you know exactly what you have and how long it will last. The inventory also ensures that your loved ones will be able to find your assets after you’re gone, so nothing is lost to the government. Check out the California Department of Unclaimed Property website and prepare to be shocked to see how much money has been lost! Traditional estate planning attorneys won’t help you, but we’ll include the inventory as part of every estate plan.

    Step 10: Review and Adjust Your Estate Plan Regularly

    Why It’s Important: Life changes, and so should your estate plan to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs and circumstances. Regular reviews ensure your plan works when you and your family need it to, keeping them out of court and conflict after you’re gone. If your estate plan is current with the ever-changing state and tax laws, chances are it will work and your wishes will be honored if you become incapacitated or when you die.

    Practical Steps:

    Work with Us. We have a built-in cadence of reviewing your plan every 3 years at no charge.

    Regular Financial Reviews: We’ll also review your asset inventory so that it stays updated. This ensures your family will receive your assets, not the government.

    We’ve come to the end of our 2-part series on how to enjoy your retirement with ease and peace of mind. I hope you’ve found this information helpful and it has inspired you to take action right away, because what matters most to me is your ability to live a fulfilling life and give your loved ones a legacy they will treasure.

    We Can Help Secure Comfort in Your Retirement

    At our firm, we do more than just assist with your immediate retirement planning needs; we ensure that your future is as vibrant and secure as possible. The intricacies of adapting your living space, integrating modern technology for better health and independence, staying socially and physically active, and managing your finances can make retirement seem overwhelming. We simplify these aspects and tailor solutions to fit your lifestyle and aspirations, all within your time and budget.

    If you want to explore how we can help you develop a retirement plan that not only safeguards your finances but also enriches your daily life, we encourage you to book a complimentary 15-minute call with us. Together, let’s make your retirement years as fulfilling and carefree as possible.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • 10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 1

    10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 1

    Retirement is more than just an end to the working years; it’s an exciting new phase of life that requires thoughtful preparation and strategic planning. Since May is Older Americans Awareness Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore 10 steps you can take now to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. In this article, we’ll discuss the first 5 steps, why they’re important, and how to implement them. Next week, we’ll continue with the remaining 5 steps.

    Step 1: Plan for the Transfer of Your Assets

    Why It’s Important: Effective estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, potentially reduces estate taxes, and can prevent a lot of legal complications for your heirs. Proper estate planning also helps to avoid the public, often lengthy and costly process of probate, ensuring that your heirs have quicker access to the assets you leave behind. Moreover, clear directives in estate planning can prevent family disputes (sometimes resulting in irretrievably broken relationships) and ensure that your specific instructions are followed, preserving your legacy exactly as you intend.

    Practical Steps: Consult with us. We always start the client relationship with education about your options that align with your specific family dynamics, assets, and wishes. From there, we’ll help you create a tailored Life & Legacy plan that works when you and your family need it to, keeping you and them out of court and conflict. Importantly, we can also help you avoid unnecessary taxes before and during retirement (and who doesn’t want that?).

    Life Insurance: Having adequate coverage to handle any debts and funeral expenses can provide a financial cushion for those who depend on you. As part of our Life & Legacy Planning process, we’ll educate you about how much insurance you need and how to pass the funds to the people you want, while avoiding unnecessary taxes and ensuring the funds are available as soon as possible.

    Step 2: Prepare for Long-Term Care Expenses

    Why It’s Important: As we continue to live longer, so does the probability of needing some form of long-term care. These services, whether in-home care, assisted living, or nursing facilities, can be costly and aren’t typically covered by Medi-Cal. Without proper planning, the high costs of long-term care can quickly deplete retirement savings, potentially leaving less financial support for spouses or other family members. Furthermore, preemptive financial planning can significantly ease the emotional and logistical challenges of arranging for long-term care.

    Practical Steps: Research long-term care insurance. Investigate different policies early, ideally in your 50s or early 60s, before premiums rise significantly. Compare benefits, coverage limits, and the reputation of insurance providers.

    Learn About Government Programs: Understand what Medi-Cal covers and explore Medi-Cal eligibility for long-term care, which generally requires spending down your assets.

    Preparing for long-term care can be tricky because the laws are quite complicated. However, we offer elder care planning to help you navigate your options and create a plan that preserves your assets for your loved ones, rather than draining them for health care costs.

    Step 3: Pass on Generational Wealth

    Why It’s Important: By ensuring that wealth passes effectively to future generations, you can secure their financial future and teach them how to manage and grow that wealth responsibly. Furthermore, generational wealth can enhance the lives of future family members and their communities by providing educational opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting philanthropic efforts. It also instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship, which are crucial for maintaining family wealth over generations.

    Practical Steps: Explore educational trusts. We can help you set up trusts that release funds for your children or grandchildren based on milestones such as graduation from college. These trusts also have tax benefits, and we can educate you about how they work.

    Create a Family Investment Plan: Include younger family members in discussions about family investments to educate them about financial principles.

    We can not only help you create an educational trust but also asset protection trusts so you can create generational wealth for your family.

    Step 4: Leave a Legacy

    Why It’s Important: What your family will treasure most isn’t the financial gifts you leave, but your life lessons, values, and memories that define your family heritage. A well-planned legacy can inspire and guide future generations, providing them with a sense of identity and belonging to a greater family story. You can ensure that your philosophical and ethical beliefs continue to influence even when you’re no longer present, helping to shape the character and choices of your descendants.

    Practical Steps: Record Life & Legacy Interview with us. We include an interview as an important part of our unique Life & Legacy Planning process. The interview ensures your family has a piece of your family history they can hold onto long after you’re gone. They’ll also treasure being able to see you and hearing your voice whenever they want.

    Step 5: Cultivate and Share Family Values and History

    Why It’s Important: Continuing the idea of leaving a legacy, know that strengthening family bonds through shared history and values helps maintain a sense of continuity across generations. This cultural and historical continuity enhances their psychological resilience and emotional well-being. Additionally, a well-documented family history can serve as a valuable asset for educational and genealogical purposes, enriching the lives of current and future generations. Here are some steps you can take outside of recording a Life & Legacy Interview with us.

    Practical Steps: Create a family archive. Gather photos, letters, and important documents in a digital format to ensure preservation and easy sharing. Enlist the help of a younger family member (Gen Z, anyone?) if you need to. Also consider writing down recipes, stories, and holiday traditions that can be passed down as family legacies.

    Compile Family Histories: Write or record stories about family elders, significant events, and the origins of family traditions. Note that writing these down the “old school” way, i.e., pen and paper, will be meaningful to younger generations. They’ll love having a piece of paper with your handwriting on it.

    Host Family Reunions: Regular gatherings not only help reinforce family bonds but also allow older generations to impart wisdom and traditions firsthand.

    So whether you’re a few years away or are about to retire now, it’s never too early (or too late!) to start planning. Be sure to check back next week for even more steps you can take to ensure peace of mind when the time comes.

    Let Us Help Secure Comfort in Your Retirement

    At our firm, we do more than just guide you through estate planning; we provide you with peace of mind, knowing you’re free to enjoy retirement. However, understanding the complexities of retirement—from estate planning to ensuring long-term care and preserving generational wealth—can be daunting. That’s why, as your heart-centered law firm, we streamline the process, making it as easy on you as possible.

    If you’re interested in learning more about how to create a Life & Legacy Plan that secures your comfort in retirement, we invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with our office. Let us help you live your best life, every step of the way.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • April Fools! How DIY Wills and Trusts Offer a False Sense of Security…and May Leave Your Family With an Expensive Mess

    April Fools! How DIY Wills and Trusts Offer a False Sense of Security…and May Leave Your Family With an Expensive Mess

    If you’ve been traveling around the sun for a while, you’ve no doubt heard of a will, a document that says what happens to your money and belongings after you die. You may even have a will, or know you should get one. Maybe you’ve heard of a trust and wondered what it is and how it works. You may have even done research on Google about how to do your own will or trust.

    In fact, it’s hard to poke around the internet and not find do-it-yourself (DIY) wills and trusts services. Legal Zoom, TrustandWill.com, and even media personalities Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman offer cheap DIY documents. You can even create your own will or trust for free by downloading a few forms. What these websites won’t do, however, is explain the potential consequences that can happen if you use one of their services.

    Legal Documents Have Legal Consequences

    The truth is that trusts and wills, and other documents that all adults should have in place, like a health care directive and power of attorney, are legal documents with legal consequences. They contain lots of legal language. Even if you think you understand the words, you likely don’t fully understand the nuances in the terminology. There’s a reason lawyers have to complete college, graduate from law school, then pass a bar exam before they can practice. It takes time and effort to learn the law, the legal terminology, the application of the law, and the potential consequences if something goes wrong.

    Even then, many lawyers who don’t specialize in estate planning, or wills and trusts, put in place legal documents that fail when you become incapacitated or die, for various reasons.  Yet you may be getting sold on the idea that you can draft legal documents online on your own. The promise is that you can save money and completely protect yourself and your loved ones from expensive legal consequences of not having planning in place. Since it’s early April when this article is being published, we call “April Fools” on these services.

    A Real Life Cautionary Tale

    Let’s keep you from being fooled by illustrating what can happen when you draft legal documents on your own without understanding the consequences. What follows is a true story:

    A woman passed away and her husband came into his lawyer’s office to get legal advice on what to do next. The woman (we’ll call her “Jane”) received an inheritance from her first husband (let’s call him “John”). She was also close to her adult children and her grandchildren, and wanted to make sure they received what was left of her inheritance from their father. While she intended to leave her second husband some money, she made it very clear to her family that she wanted to provide for her children and grandchildren.

    Jane was frugal. She didn’t want to spend money on an attorney. So she did some research on Google about wills and trusts, downloaded some forms, and wrote out her own documents. She learned from Google that a trust can keep her family from going through a court process called probate, which would save them money and leave more for them to inherit. So she drafted her own trust thinking that she’d achieve her goals and save money at the same time.

    You may already see where this is going…

    When John’s lawyer read Jane’s DIY trust, they realized that what Jane actually did was leave her entire inheritance to her second husband. Jane legally disinherited her children and grandchildren. Jane’s DIY trust was also subject to laws of a different U.S. state than the one she lived in, meaning that any legal process related to the trust would be more complicated than it needed to be. Surely this was not the result Jane wanted.

    Jane not only disinherited her children, but she failed to transfer her house to the trust, despite drafting and filing a deed on her own, and she left assets out of her trust altogether. So while she thought she was doing the right thing, what she really did was leave her loved ones with a giant, expensive mess.

    Not surprisingly, the family ended up in court and years later, the matter still isn’t resolved.

    You Don’t Have to Make the Same Mistakes

    Jane must have believed what she heard from well-meaning folks like Dave and Suze about doing a will and trust on her own. She probably thought she understood the legal documents she drafted and signed. She most definitely thought she was making things easy for her family and that she was giving her children money from their father. But Jane was fooled. 

    Don’t be Jane. If Jane had worked with us, she would’ve created a plan that would accomplish her goals and keep her family out of court and out of conflict. She would’ve saved her family years of heartache and pain, not to mention the expense. Jane’s story teaches us that it’s absolutely worth it to work with a lawyer whenever you’re dealing with a legal document – including a will or trust. Don’t “trust” those who say you can do it cheaply or do it yourself. Don’t be Jane.

    What to Do Instead

    You owe it to your loved ones to take the time and put in the investment to do your estate planning right, and keep it up over time. In fact, it’s the last and greatest gift you can leave them. Having your affairs buttoned up so they don’t have a mess on their hands and are allowed to process their grief in peace is your final act of love.

    If you want to leave your family the gift of your love, we can help. At our firm, we don’t merely dispense legal counsel or draft documents; we safeguard your family. We look at your specific family dynamics and your goals and then work with you to create a plan that ensures you and your loved ones avoid the stress, conflict, and chaos that comes from DIY documents.

    To learn more about how we approach estate planning from a place of heart so you can leave your family with love, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with our office.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • Parents, Step-Parents, And Children, Oh My! Blended Families + Death = A Potential Nightmare

    Parents, Step-Parents, And Children, Oh My! Blended Families + Death = A Potential Nightmare

    Anyone who’s seen an episode of “Modern Family” knows that families these days come in many different shapes and sizes. Long gone are the days when a “family” was defined as a mother, father, and two children. In this article, we’ll focus on one of the types of families that’s common in our modern culture: the blended family.

    The Unique Dynamics At Play in Blended Families

    A “blended family” comes into being when parents divorce and at least one remarries. While everyone may get along effortlessly while the parent is alive, that too often doesn’t happen once the parent dies. Why? Because the law still hasn’t caught up to our modern definition of “family.” The law often favors the spouse, which works well when the spouse and the deceased have children together. But when the deceased parent has children from another marriage, the children can – indeed, often are – cut out of their inheritance.

    Other than the law being slow to catch up, there are a few more reasons why this happens:

    • The parent trusts the new spouse completely and can’t comprehend the spouse ever doing anything to harm the children;
    • The new spouse may place his or her own interest ahead of the children – or have children from a first marriage and want them to benefit instead; or
    • The parent hasn’t been educated about what could happen when he or she dies, and hasn’t consulted with a competent attorney to get educated.

    A True (and Common) Story That Became a Nightmare

    In a recent marketwatch.com article, a woman wrote about her own nightmare scenario. Her father (we’ll call him “Dad”) owned several properties, including the house she lived in as a child. He remarried, and when his health started to decline, her stepmother (we’ll call her “Stepmom”) made financial moves so he could qualify for government health care benefits under the Medi-Cal program. Whereas Medi-Cal is a needs-based program (meaning you only qualify if you can’t afford to pay), many people with means are able to take advantage of legal maneuvers and set their assets aside so they qualify. Doing this keeps assets protected for the next generation(s).   

    So far, so good. It seems as if Stepmom has the children’s interests at heart, right? Not so fast.

    In order to qualify for Medi-Cal, Dad had to transfer his assets to someone else while he was alive. That “someone else” was Stepmom. Apparently, she convinced Dad it was the right move and that she could be trusted with his properties. Dad eventually died, and so at the time of his death, Stepmom owned all his properties, including the childhood home. Stepmom went on a selling spree, cashing in on them all. Guess where the money went? If you guessed Stepmom and HER daughter, you’d be right. Dad’s children from his first marriage got nothing.

    Wait – Surely That’s Not Legal!

    You may be thinking that’s a horribly unfair outcome – so bad that it has to be illegal. But it’s not. It’s completely legal. Once Stepmom owned the properties, she was free to do anything she wanted with them. She chose – deliberately – to give her stepchildren none of the proceeds and under the law, she had the absolute right to do this. The children had no recourse. They’d lose in court every day of the week.

    So we’re left to wonder: is this the outcome Dad wanted? Could he have foreseen Stepmom was capable of cutting out his children? Did he know there was another way he could have protected them and still qualified for government benefits? With education from a trusted lawyer, would he have done anything differently?

    How to Ensure Your Children Are Spared From the Potential Consequences

    If you want to avoid the same tragic consequences, there are some steps you can take right away:

    1. Don’t Be Afraid of the Inevitable: Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes,” and he was half right (you can avoid taxes with careful estate planning but that’s a topic for another article). Death is certain. Yet we’re all uncomfortable talking about death, much less planning for it. Accept death as a reality then make plans while you can.

    2. Hold a Family Meeting: Having a heart-to-heart about your wishes, values, and goals can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings after you pass away.

    3. Educate Yourself: Hands down the single most important thing you can do is educate yourself and educate yourself now. Don’t rely on the internet. Laws are different from state to state, families are different, assets are handled in different ways, and the internet won’t take all this into account.

    4. Work With a Lawyer Who Understands Your Family Dynamics: One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to planning for life and death matters like these! What works for one family might not work for yours. You need a tailored plan to fit your unique needs. You deserve, and your family deserves, to have a plan that works when your family needs it. That’s why you need a trusted, heart-centered attorney who will appreciate your unique situation and educate you so you’re empowered to put the right plan in place. Your family’s future literally depends on it.

    Your loved ones don’t have to face tragic circumstances when you pass. With honest conversations, proper education, and guidance from a trusted attorney, you can put together a plan that keeps the peace and makes sure your loved ones are taken care of just the way you want.

    To learn more about how we approach estate planning from the heart and yet with all the strategies you need to keep your assets in the family, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with our office.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • Till Death or Divorce: Why You Need to Plan Now for Your Relationship’s End

    Till Death or Divorce: Why You Need to Plan Now for Your Relationship’s End

    After the excitement of Valentine’s Day fades away and the last indulgence of chocolate is savored, it’s crucial to turn our attention to a topic that may not be as thrilling as the idea of everlasting love: the reality that all relationships come to an end one day. Before you stop reading, hear me out.

    Whether it’s a breakup, divorce, or the death of a loved one after a lifetime together, every relationship eventually will come to an end. The most important thing is how you’ve planned for that ending, or whether you haven’t at all, as your planning (or lack of it) will have a real impact on you, your partner, your children, and your assets.

    The silver lining? While we can’t prevent the end, we can prepare for it with a blend of compassion and strategic planning that makes the end the best possible foundation for a new beginning.

    Understanding the Intersection of Love and Law

    Love is wonderful—joyful moments, shared dreams for the future, and yes, some legal considerations too. For married couples, the law has default provisions in place for what happens to your assets if one of you dies, but those default plans may not align with your personal preferences or the life you’ve built with your partner.

    If you’re an unmarried couple, the absence of a plan could leave you vulnerable, risking the loss of assets or the inability to make crucial decisions about your property or your medical care.

    To better understand how a lack of planning can leave you and your partner out in the rain, let’s look closer at these important areas that are affected when a relationship ends.

    1 | Property Ownership

    Let’s say you and your partner purchase a home and other assets together. Without clear documentation outlining ownership rights, a dispute can arise if the relationship ends in a breakup. But breakups aren’t the only danger.

    If you aren’t married and one of you passes away, the other partner might find themselves without a rightful claim to the property, potentially facing homelessness or a significant financial loss.

    If you own any property with anyone else or if you want to ensure your property lands in the hands you choose in the event of your death, contact us to plan for that property now.

    2 | Healthcare Decisions

    In the unfortunate event of a medical emergency where one partner becomes incapacitated, lacking appropriate legal documentation could impede the other partner’s ability to make critical healthcare decisions on their behalf. This can lead to delays in medical treatment or disagreements among family members over the person’s treatment, causing unnecessary stress and complications during an already challenging time.

    3 | Guardianship for Children

    For couples with children, failing to establish guardianship arrangements in the event of both parents’ incapacity or death can have devastating consequences. Without a designated guardian, children may be placed in the care of individuals who may not align with your wishes or values, leading to potential custody battles and emotional upheaval for the children and your extended family.

    If you and your partner end your relationship without coming to a mutual agreement on a guardian for your children, things could get even more chaotic – especially if one of you has documented your desired guardian and the other partner hasn’t.

    Worst of all, typical wills don’t cover planning for the needs of minor children sufficiently. It’s why we offer the Kids Protection Plan, specifically designed to ensure your children are never raised by anyone other than people you know, love, and trust, and are never taken from your home and into the care of strangers.

    4 | Business Interests

    If you and your partner share business interests or investments, the lack of a solid plan could jeopardize the future of these assets. Without clear instructions, the surviving partner may face challenges in managing or transferring ownership of these assets, potentially leading to financial instability or the dissolution of the business.

    Be Proactive, No Matter What the Future Holds

    In each of the scenarios above, the absence of proactive estate planning measures leaves individuals vulnerable to legal and financial uncertainties. By taking proactive steps that consider what will happen when your relationship ends, couples can safeguard their assets, ensure their wishes are honored, and provide peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

    Not sure how to start the conversation with your partner?

    Start by explaining to your partner your desire to safeguard the life you’re building together. Just as relationships evolve over time, your wishes and how they’re documented should too. Continuously engaging in dialogue and revisiting your plans ensures they remain aligned with your evolving needs and aspirations.

    Let Us Make It Easy to Plan Ahead

    Whether you’ve already started the conversation with your partner or need more guidance, planning for the future of your relationship can feel overwhelming. We can help.

    At our firm, we don’t merely dispense legal counsel; we safeguard your love story. We comprehend the profound significance of your relationship and are dedicated to ensuring its protection. Whenever (and however) your relationship ends, we’ll work with you to create a plan that considers these contingencies ahead of time so you and your loved ones can avoid the stress, conflict, and chaos that comes with incomplete planning.

    To learn more about how we approach estate planning from a place of heart, schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with our office.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • Think Your Kids Will Automatically Be Cared For In the Way You Want? They Might Not Be Unless You Do This

    Think Your Kids Will Automatically Be Cared For In the Way You Want? They Might Not Be Unless You Do This

    As parents, we’re hardwired to prioritize our children’s well-being above all else. We work tirelessly to provide for them, nurture them, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. Yet amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook a crucial aspect of their future: what happens to them if we’re no longer here to care for them?

    It’s a sobering thought, but one that deserves your attention. You may assume that in the event of your untimely passing, your children will automatically be cared for and inherit your assets. However, the reality is far more complex and potentially unsettling.

    Let’s unpack why relying on these assumptions could leave your children’s future in uncertain hands.

    The Myth of Automatic Care

    Yes, it’s true that your children will inherit your assets upon your passing. However, without advance planning, the management of those assets will fall into the hands of a court-appointed trustee. This is an expensive proposition for the people you love most, and worse, the trustee may not necessarily align with your values or financial philosophy, leaving your hard-earned assets vulnerable to mismanagement.

    On top of that, and maybe worst of all, under current laws, once your child reaches the age of 18, they gain unfettered access to their inheritance. While you may have envisioned these assets providing a foundation for their future endeavors, the reality is that many 18-year-olds lack the financial maturity to handle such responsibility. From impulsive spending to falling prey to financial scams, the risks are significant.

    The Importance of a Kids Protection Plan

    What’s the solution? Enter the Kids Protection Plan—a comprehensive legal planning system designed to safeguard your children’s well-being and financial future in the event of your incapacity or passing.

    A Kids Protection Plan empowers you to designate a trusted guardian who will step in to care for your children if you’re unable to do so. This ensures your children will be in the loving care of someone you know and trust, rather than leaving their fate to the discretion of a judge who may lack intimate knowledge of your family dynamics.

    Moreover, a complete Kids Protection Plan goes beyond long-term guardianship appointments. It includes a detailed roadmap for the management of your assets on behalf of your children, specifying how funds should be allocated for their upbringing, education, and other needs. By setting clear guidelines, you mitigate the risk of financial mismanagement and ensure that your children’s inheritance serves its intended purpose: supporting their growth and development.

    Leave Behind Detailed Instructions

    Naming legal guardians is just the first step. Your Kids Protection Plan won’t do much good if the people named in it aren’t aware of your plan or your wishes. You want to make sure your children’s guardians know your desires for their upbringing. Some things to include might be:

    • Faith and religious practices
    • Philosophy on education and where you’d want them to go to school
    • Activities you’d want your children involved in
    • Nutrition, medical care, or any other health considerations

    I make sure that everyone named in your plan is informed of what to do if the unthinkable happens to you. If you’re working with me, I’ll be there to guide them each step of the way. 

    Planning for the Future

    We understand the gravity of planning for your children’s future. That’s why we offer personalized Life & Legacy Planning Sessions designed to consider your family dynamics and assets, and then help you choose the right planning package and fees to safeguard and protect what matters to you most.

    Whether you’re a new parent or revisiting your estate plan, our team is here to provide the guidance and expertise you need to secure your family’s future for generations to come. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to learn more about our unique Life & Legacy Planning process. During your complimentary 15-minute call, we’ll explore your current arrangements and identify any gaps that may leave your children vulnerable.

    Don’t leave your children’s future to chance. Take the first step toward peace of mind and lasting security. After all, your children deserve nothing less than the assurance that they’ll be cared for and cherished, no matter what the future holds.

    Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to get started.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session.

  • Want to Show Your Partner How Much You Love Them? Put Them In Your Will

    Want to Show Your Partner How Much You Love Them? Put Them In Your Will

    Love is undoubtedly the most profound and cherished thread that weaves us all together, and there are many different ways to express our love to the people who mean the most to us. Often when we think of showing our love, we think of bouquets of flowers, surprise gifts, and meaningful notes. But an often overlooked – and incredibly meaningful – way of showing your love is to put that love into a plan for the future. 

    While estate planning may seem like a realm of financial jargon and legalities, it is, at its core, a tangible expression of your care for those closest to you (that’s why I refer to estate planning as Life & Legacy Planning).

    In this blog, we’ll look at why adding your partner to your will and estate plan as a whole isn’t just a romantic gesture but the ultimate act of love.

    Providing Care and Protection

    Estate planning is typically associated with financial matters and legal technicalities, but at its core, it’s an expression of love for those we hold dear. It’s about not leaving a mess for the people you love. It’s about providing comfort and security to your loved ones long after you’re gone. And when you include your partner in your estate plan, you’re solidifying the foundation of your love and commitment, ensuring they’re cared for when you can no longer be there in person.

    One of the most tangible ways to demonstrate your love is by securing your partner’s legal and financial future through thoughtful estate planning, but not just any old estate planning — in our book, it needs to be “Life & Legacy Planning” so you know you have a “plan that works to keep your family out of court and out of conflict.”

    While a will, trust, and other estate planning documents are valuable, if they’re not properly counseled, regularly updated, and combined with additional planning tools such as a Kids Protection Plan, if you have minor children, and a Family Wealth Inventory plus Legacy Interviews to capture your tangible and non-tangible assets, your loved ones could be left with an expensive mess.

    If you’re married, your spouse already has some rights in the event of your incapacity or death, but that doesn’t mean they have automatic access to your accounts, or even to make your health care decisions for you the way you would want. If you’re not married, your unmarried partner or partners would have no rights to anything in the event of your death or incapacity. Truly the greatest gift you can give your beloved is a Life & Legacy Plan.

    Avoiding Legal Complications

    Love conquers many things, but we have to acknowledge that legal matters often require a bit more than just sentiment. Without a well-counseled, prepared, and updated Life & Legacy Plan, your partner might find themselves entangled in legal complications when it comes to inheriting assets if something happens to you. In fact, if you and your partner aren’t married, they won’t inherit anything at all!

    That’s because the law that controls what happens to your assets if you die without a plan is written with married couples in mind. That means that anyone you love who isn’t married to you or directly related to you through blood will be left with nothing when you die or if you become incapacitated, unless you plan in advance. 

    By including your partner in your will and overall Life & Legacy Plan, you get to ensure they’ll receive what you would want them to in the event of your loss and spare them the stress of navigating legal intricacies during an already emotionally trying time.

    Protecting The Life You Built Together

    Maybe the institution of marriage isn’t your thing or you and your partner are putting off marriage plans for the time being. Nonetheless, having a plan in place isn’t something you want to put off until you’re older. Chances are good that you’ve already begun to build a life together that’s worth protecting.

    Whether it’s the charming house you turned into a home or the vintage car you spent countless road trips in, shared assets are more than just possessions – they’re a part of your shared history. Including your partner in your estate plan ensures that these shared treasures are passed on smoothly, preserving the memories you built together.

    If you have children with your partner, Life & Legacy Planning takes on an even greater significance. If your partner isn’t biologically related to your children and hasn’t legally adopted them, there’s no legal guarantee that your partner would be able to care for your children or even visit them if something happens to you.

    Creating a Kids Protection Plan for your kids in your estate plan is an act of profound love and responsibility. By ensuring your partner has legal authority in matters of your children’s well-being, you’re displaying a commitment to everyone’s future happiness and security.

    Helping You Show The One You Love Just How Much You Care

    Love binds us together – but proper estate planning, and specifically Life & Legacy Planning, puts the love you have for your partner and your family into action. It’s not just about assets and legalities; it’s a declaration of your commitment and a promise to provide for your loved one even when you’re no longer physically present. 

    After all, in matters of the heart, there’s no gesture more profound than securing a future together.

    If you want to show your partner just how much you love them, contact us today to learn more about our Life & Legacy Planning process to get started. 

    Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with us.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

  • Protecting Your Family’s Safety Net: How to Set Up Your Life Insurance Policy The Right Way

    Protecting Your Family’s Safety Net: How to Set Up Your Life Insurance Policy The Right Way

    A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan is about creating a strategy that lets you enjoy your life to the fullest while protecting your loved ones’ future when you can no longer be there. It might seem like life insurance is an easy way to help secure your loved ones’ future – and it is – but your policy must be set up in the right way to have the best possible impact on your family.

    The way you set up your beneficiary designations on your insurance policy can significantly impact its effectiveness, how it’s used, and who controls it after you die. In this blog, we’ll explore how not to name beneficiaries on your life insurance and how to name beneficiaries to ensure your loved ones have the funds they need to thrive when something happens to you. 

    DO NOT Name a Minor As The Beneficiary of Your Life Insurance Policy  

    Naming your child or grandchild as a direct (or even backup) beneficiary of your life insurance policy may seem like a natural choice, but if you do that, you’re guaranteeing a bad outcome for the people you love.

    First of all, if a minor child is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, it guarantees a court process called “guardianship” or “conservatorship” must occur to name a legal guardian or conservator to manage the assets for your minor beneficiary until they turn 18. Then, at 18, your minor child who is just barely an adult receives everything left in the account, outright, unprotected, with no oversight or guidance. This is the worst possible outcome for everyone involved. 

    If you’re buying life insurance, you’re doing it to make the lives of your loved ones better. We often say “insurance says I love you.” But naming a minor child as a beneficiary doesn’t say I love you; it says that you didn’t take the time to set your life insurance up the right way. You might think the answer is to name a trusted family member or friend as the beneficiary of your life insurance, hoping they’ll use the funds for your kids, but don’t do that! 

    If you name another adult as the beneficiary for a life insurance policy intended for your kids, your kids will have no legal right to the money – which means the adult you named as beneficiary can use the money however they want and don’t have to use it for your kids at all! 

    So what’s the solution? Keep reading to find out what to do instead.

    DO NOT Name Adult Beneficiaries Directly or They Risk Losing The Money Entirely

    Direct payouts to adult beneficiaries may seem straightforward, but can have unintended consequences. Life circumstances change, and the lump sum received from a life insurance policy might be at risk if not managed properly. By avoiding direct payouts, you can ensure that the financial security provided by the insurance is preserved for the long term.

    One key concern is the potential for beneficiaries to hastily misuse or exhaust the funds. A sudden windfall might lead to imprudent spending, leaving your loved ones without the financial support you intended. Additionally, if your beneficiaries aren’t financially savvy, they may struggle to manage a lump sum effectively, meaning the policy might lose money over time.

    Even if an adult beneficiary is financially responsible and savvy – or knows enough to speak to a financial advisor – life events can put the funds at risk. Because the life insurance proceeds now belong entirely to your beneficiaries in this case, the proceeds of the policy are now completely vulnerable to any future divorces or lawsuits that your beneficiary may go through in the future.

    That means that if your beneficiary is divorced, sued, or accumulates debt, all the money they received from your insurance policy could be lost.

    Plan For Your Life Insurance The Right Way: Use a Trust 

    A trust is an agreement you make with a person or an institution you choose. This person is called your trustee, and their directive is to manage the assets you put into or leave to your trust, according to the rules you create. 

    Instead of naming minors or adult loved ones as the direct beneficiaries of your life insurance, name your trust as the beneficiary of your policy instead. By doing this, your loved ones will still receive the funds you intend for them while maintaining control over how the funds are managed and distributed. This ensures that your wishes for your assets and your loved ones are carried out even after you’re gone. 

    How does it work?

    A well-drafted trust allows you to specify conditions for distributing the trust funds, ensuring that the funds are used for intended purposes such as your beneficiaries’ education, homeownership, or other specific needs. Distributions from the trust can also depend on the ages and circumstances of each beneficiary. This level of control can prevent the misuse of funds and promote responsible financial behavior for everyone involved. Plus, assets held in a trust bypass the probate process, ensuring a more efficient and timely distribution of funds to your beneficiaries. This can be crucial in providing immediate financial support to your loved ones when they need it the most. 

    While you can choose to have your trustee distribute life insurance proceeds directly to your beneficiaries outright at specific ages and stages, you may want to provide even more protection for your beneficiaries. One of the considerations we’ll help you make is whether to retain the assets in trust, giving your beneficiaries control over the trust assets, but in a manner that keeps the inherited life insurance protected from lawsuits, future divorces, and creditors.

    Let Us Set Up Your Entire Plan In The Best Way Possible

    Setting up your life insurance policy with the right beneficiaries involves careful consideration of your unique family dynamics, financial goals, and long-term objectives while being proactive to avoid future issues. By doing so, you maximize the benefits of your life insurance to provide a lasting legacy of financial security and support for your loved ones. 

    But planning for your life insurance is only one step in creating a plan for everything you own and everyone you love today and in the future. My mission is to guide you to create a comprehensive estate plan, which I call a Life & Legacy Plan, that ensures your wishes are fulfilled and your family’s future is protected no matter what the future holds.

    Schedule a complimentary call with my office to learn more.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

  • Your Most Important New Year’s Resolution: A Kids Protection Plan

    Your Most Important New Year’s Resolution: A Kids Protection Plan

    As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, if you have minor children or grandchildren, put this commitment at the top of your list– a Kids Protection Plan. 

    Even if you’ve already named legal guardians for your children (or your siblings have done it for their kids, or your kids have done it for your grandchildren), most people…even lawyers!…make 1 of 6 common mistakes when naming legal guardians. And if you (or your siblings or your children) haven’t named legal guardians for minors you care about, make it your New Year’s resolution to take care of the littles in your life before the end of this month.

    It can be hard to think about a future where you couldn’t be there for the people you care about the most, but having a plan in place will ensure the little ones you love stay in the care of the people they know and trust in the event you become incapacitated or die. If you don’t take action, the decisions about their care could be left up to chance, or to whichever judge is overseeing the family court at the time something happens. 

    This isn’t just some task to add to your to-do list. It’s a warm embrace of security for the littles you love. So why is this the ultimate resolution for you in 2024? Keep reading to find out.

    Unforeseen Circumstances Can Leave Your Kids In the Care of Strangers (or Worse)

    What could be worse than your kids being left in the care of strangers if something happens to you? Your kids being left in the care of that one person you know you’d never want making decisions about their education, healthcare, or financial life. If you don’t have a person like that in your life, lucky you!

    And you still want to choose who makes the most important decisions for your kids if you can’t, right? 

    Imagine your kids at home with a babysitter and you don’t make it home. Your babysitter waits and frets, but doesn’t know what to do.

    S/he has no choice but to call the authorities because you didn’t leave any instructions otherwise. The authorities arrive and they have no choice but to take your kids into the care of strangers, even if you’ve already named legal guardians in your will.

    They probably don’t know where your will is located. If they can find it quickly, they may not know how to get in touch with the people you’ve named. Or the people you’ve named all live hours or even days away.

    Finally, because your will must go through the court process to be operative, the authorities can put your kids in the care of people who may be strangers to your kids – or even someone you wouldn’t want – while they wait for the court process to play out.

    We do have a solution! It’s called a Kids Protection Plan, and it will solve each of these problems plus ensure your children are never in the care of anyone you wouldn’t want.  

    A Kids Protection Plan Lets You Pick Who Cares for Your Kids – Not a Judge

    Is there someone in your life whom you unequivocally would never want raising your kids? Even if you’ve already named permanent legal guardians for them, it’s still up to a judge to make the official determination of who should raise your children long-term. If this person is an immediate family member, the judge may choose them as your kids’ permanent legal guardian if they come forward as a candidate, despite what your permanent guardian nomination paperwork says. Crazy, I know! But it’s how the system works.

    A comprehensive Kids Protection Plan confidentially excludes anyone you would never want raising your kids and we’ve figured out how to create it in a way that makes it highly unlikely that anyone you would never want to take custody or care of your kids would even try. With this confidential document, you can ensure your children are always kept out of the care of anyone you would never want to make decisions for them. 

    You Have Unique Desires for Your Kids’ Education, Healthcare, and Financial Well-Being

    You spend an inordinate amount of time planning your kids’ activities, their care, and their birthday parties. You almost certainly have distinct desires regarding their education, healthcare, and financial well-being. A Kids Protection Plan allows you to articulate these wishes in a way that provides your kids’ legal guardians with guidance and your children with the comfort of their routine. 

    Plus, providing clear instructions to potential guardians ensures your children’s upbringing aligns with your values and aspirations. This process not only secures their future but also provides you with clarity about your parenting priorities.

    Comprehensive Protection for the Ones You Love Most

    While nominating permanent legal guardians is fundamental, it might not suffice in every situation. A full-fledged Kids Protection Plan offers a holistic approach, addressing the potential pitfalls of leaving your kids with caregivers, excluding unwanted individuals from guardianship, and outlining your unique desires for their well-being. This comprehensive plan ensures that your children remain in the care of trusted individuals who understand and respect your values.

    If you’re ready to make creating a Kids Protection Plan your most significant New Year’s resolution, the first step is to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session. During the session, we’ll guide you through our unique, heart-centered process to tailor a plan that reflects your wishes, secures your family’s future, and includes a Kids Protection Plan. 

    Unlike other resolutions that may be hard to stick to, we’re here to guide and support you through every step to ensure your Kids Protection Plan offers the best protection for the people you love – both now and for years to come.

    Schedule a complimentary call to learn more about our process and schedule your own Life & Legacy Planning Session. 

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

  • Hiring a Lawyer: What Flat Fees, Hourly Fees, and Retainer Billing Could Mean For Your Life and Family

    Hiring a Lawyer: What Flat Fees, Hourly Fees, and Retainer Billing Could Mean For Your Life and Family

    Trying to find the right lawyer to help with legal matters, especially if you’re under the gun in a crisis situation, but even if you aren’t, can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. You want to find an attorney you like who will understand your family’s needs, but you also have to consider the cost of the attorney you’re hiring, and whether they can meet your immediate needs and be there for you in the long term. 

    Depending on the type of legal work you need handled, whether it’s a high-conflict litigation matter, a one-off transactional matter, or ongoing strategic support, the options can be confusing to say the least. Maybe you’ve even considered a legal insurance plan or a pre-paid legal program. While the idea of legal insurance is fantastic, the execution is often lacking. 

    In this blog, we’ll explore your options for hiring a lawyer just by looking at the legal billing models. In future articles, we’ll consider other factors, such as the benefits of consistent relationships, strategic guidance, and proactive risk prevention. In addition, for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on proactive estate planning, and touch on some of the other more reactive situations, such as crisis planning to support an elder who needs immediate nursing care or a high-conflict divorce or business break-up.

    The Pitfalls and Costs of Hourly Billing

    Hourly billing, tracked and invoiced in 6-minute increments, was the standard legal billing model for generations. If you’ve ever hired a lawyer billing by the hour, you probably experienced the reality where you really didn’t want to share too much with that lawyer, and wanted to keep your conversations as concise as possible, always tracking whether the conversation strayed into anything personal and perhaps wondering “am I getting billed for this?”

    As a result, when hiring an attorney who bills by the hour, you’ll likely find yourself hesitant to contact your attorney with questions or additional pieces of information because you don’t want to incur extra costs or get a surprise bill in the mail. This creates a barrier to open communication with your lawyer and can keep you from getting the legal support you truly need. 

    Or, you may not even think about how your lawyer is billing, and after a quick phone call to your lawyer here and an email to them there, you could be caught off guard by how quickly those 6-minute increments add up to substantial invoices you weren’t planning on. This can harm your relationship with your lawyer, make it challenging to budget for legal services effectively, and can leave you feeling stressed about your legal bills instead of focusing on the reason that brought you to the lawyer in the first place.

    Complex cases or unforeseen complications can inflate your bill even more by prolonging the time your lawyer is needed to complete the work. Even without a complex case, hourly billing may unintentionally skew your lawyer’s incentives. After all, a longer legal process means more billable hours for them. If you’re wondering if this is the case with your lawyer, it negatively impacts your sense of trust in your relationship with them.

    Hourly rates for lawyers can be as low as $125 per hour, and as high as $1000 or more per hour. In some big firms, they even get as high as $2000 per hour now. The general range seems to be $250-$650 per hour, depending on the type of matter. 

    Because hourly billing comes with so many risks to the relationship with your lawyer and your bank account, whenever possible, we recommend that you work with a lawyer who is experienced enough in the type of matter they’re handling for you that they’re able to quote you a flat fee for a specific outcome related to the work you need handled.

    The Advantages of Flat Fees

    Choosing a lawyer who charges flat fees flips the script, offering a straightforward and transparent approach to legal billing. With flat fees, you know exactly what you’ll pay from the outset, and what you’ll be delivered in return. As we say here in our office: everything is billed on a flat-fee basis, agreed to in advance, so there are no surprises. This transparency eliminates the stress of unexpected costs and allows you to plan for legal expenses more effectively.

    Flat fees give you and your lawyer room to speak freely about your needs without feeling as if you need to watch the clock or wonder if you’ve strayed too far afield in your conversation and connection. This means you can ask questions without worry, and leave it to your lawyer to set boundaries around whether any of the additions you may want would increase the fee for the services you need.

    The way we see this work in our office when we’re focusing on your estate planning matters is that we’ve invested considerable time in coming up with a flat fee billing structure that’s based around the outcomes you desire, rather than the specific documents you need, and that’s flexible to change and grow with you over time. 

    For example, you may begin with a plan that’s focused on keeping your kids in the care of people you know, love, and trust but doesn’t fully avoid the court process. Later, you might upgrade to a more comprehensive plan that focuses more on asset protection. The critical aspect here is that your fee is tied to the outcomes you desire, not the hours it takes or the documents we create. 

    When an attorney charges a fee for their services that’s based on the outcome you desire, you know you’re getting a comprehensive package, not just one or two documents or a set of hours that won’t actually deliver for you and your family at the end of the day. 

    Keeping The Focus On You

    We specialize in providing comprehensive estate planning with a focus on our client relationships. That means charging a reasonable flat fee for a comprehensive plan where we can take the time to get to know you, your family, and your needs on an intimate level and tailor your fee to the outcomes you desire. 

    Plus, we understand that planning for death and incapacity can be a lot to think about, and we want to give you the mental and emotional space to consider your estate planning options without the anxiety or distraction of a bill that changes every month. We want our time spent together to be entirely focused on you and your needs. 

    If you’re ready to create an estate plan for the people you love that will serve and protect them for years to come, we invite you to reach out. 

    Schedule a complimentary discovery call with us to get started.

    This article is a service of Jeannette Marsala, Personal Family Lawyer. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session, during which you’ll get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life and Legacy Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this $750 session at no charge.

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