There’s a lot of confusion in the public about what a power of attorney does for you. I regularly have to explain this important document to my estate planning clients. Basically, a power of attorney gives someone else the legal authority to make decisions for you. This document doesn’t substitute their authority for yours. It [...]
{ 0 comments }
When I work with married couples on their estate plans, many of them ask the same question: do we need separate wills? This is one legal question that an attorney can answer with a simple answer: yes. Each spouse should have his/her own will. A will sets forth what the testator (the person making the [...]
{ 1 comment }
I just got back from a trip to California for a family wedding. So I had plenty of time to think about legal tips for flying, such as airline regulations. One of the number one questions travelers have is: What are the airline regulations for carry on baggage? First, my method for seamless travel is [...]
{ 0 comments }
If you are an adult in the state of Virginia, you need to consider having an estate planning lawyer draft your will. A Virginia will must comply with specific requirements to have legal effect. If you try to write your own last will and testament and fail to follow the proper requirements, it could be [...]
{ 3 comments }
Planning for the future can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to halt your life. As a Fredericksburg estate planning lawyer, I can help you create a comprehensive estate plan quickly and easily. It won’t take hours of meetings and weeks of waiting. You’ll be done before you know it. Here’s why: I value new [...]
{ 0 comments }
I’m not a patent attorney. Partially because patents drive me nuts! Actually, people drive me nuts when they advertise their patents. How many infomercials have you seen where the product is touted as “patent pending”? This simple statement is supposed to give you confidence in the snake oil or kitchen gadget. But what is a [...]
{ 0 comments }
Most people underestimate the importance of a comprehensive estate plan. And even if you have a solid plan put together, how old is it? An old, outdated estate plan does virtually no good. You’ve put your wishes in writing, but they’re out of date. If you die with an old estate plan it place, your [...]
{ 1 comment }
Non-profits require public accountability. They must be good stewards of the public’s money. As a lawyer for non-profits, I help them be accountable to their donors and succeed in their mission. That’s why I’m astounded by this AP article on the Smithsonian Institution. It reports that many top-level Smithsonian executives will be receiving pay cuts. [...]
{ 1 comment }
Yes, the shiny family jewels: diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. If your estate is naked (not protected) when you die, you’re risking your family’s wealth. It’s that simple. Even if you have an average net worth, you still need the protection of a comprehensive estate plan. A basic will is very cheap, and it ensures that [...]
{ 2 comments }
My first webinar went well, with a good group of attendees. Now the video is available for you to view at your leisure! If you have questions about trademark registration, I suggest watching this webinar. It provides an overview of the process, why you should register, how much it costs, etc. Be sure to sign [...]
{ 5 comments }