Family Conflict in Estate Planning: A 5 Part Series

When it comes to  the administration of an estate, controversy often happens.  Often these controversies are the result of family conflicts.  Understanding these conflicts BEFORE they happen can help you create the proper estate plan to avoid unnecessary delays, legal battles and of course, bitterness. Sibling Rivalry Part 1 The sources of conflict within a... [Read More]

I Don’t Want To Be A Burden

“I don’t want to be a burden” is a phrase I often hear from my Estate Planning clients. They don’t want to be a burden to their family or loved ones. They have seen how other seniors, whether they are friends or family, have been burdens to other family members who have taken on the... [Read More]

Change of Seasons

Beautiful colorful leaves are still hanging on many trees. Days and nights are cooler. It has been raining here in Western North Carolina. The lights of the day are shorter. Even on the clock, we have “fallen back” one hour. Fall is definitely here. The long warm days of summer with the bright green leaves... [Read More]

Strange Days

It’s been confirmed that Russian military rockets were used to shoot down a commercial airliner over Ukraine this past summer. Russian troops, including heavy weapons and fighter jets are in Syria working on behalf of Assad and his brutal regime. Playboy will stop publishing nude photos. Anheuser-Busch bought Miller Beer. Strange days. Few people could... [Read More]

More Storms of Life

We in North and South Carolina just went through heavy Storms, including heavy rains, over the past several days. Here in Western North Carolina we have been having rain off and on for more than ten (10) days. That was followed by very heavy rain over this past weekend. This rain has led to rivers... [Read More]

Steve Teaches CE Class – “More on Mental Incapacity in Estate Planning”

Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “More on Mental Incapacity in Estate Planning” on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 8 a.m. at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals, Accountants, and Elder Care Professionals.  We will look at legal options regarding Mental Incapacity and what can be done to provide the least... [Read More]

Estate Planning With A Volatile Market

Volatile swings in the Stock Market have a tendency to freeze many of us. There is a sense of a lack of control, concern for the future, and for some – outright fear. We know historically that the Stock Market moves up and down and that when it is down it is a good time... [Read More]

What We Really Fear in Our Estate Plan

Many clients come into the office concerned more about the delay, costs and publicity of Probate Court, or potential tax issues. But as they start to open up about their real concerns about leaving inheritance, the concerns are about what if they become mentally disabled? What if their spouse remarries – will their assets go... [Read More]