Welcome to the Rilus Law Blog!
One of our core values is empowerment and education is a key component of that. Because we are passionate about estate planning, we provide many free resources to empower our community. Explore the blog to gain a deeper understanding of estate planning, or feel free to reach out to us with questions. You could get all your questions answered in a free one-hour meeting with an experienced estate planning and probate attorney.
Explore all of our posts below, or search for a specific topic here.
“We Need to Do Our Will”
Most people recognize that estate planning is something they should do, much like going to the dentist, but so many of us never get around to actually getting it done. It is common to say “we need to do our will” but never make the time to consult an estate planning attorney or write a simple will at home.
When to Start Estate Planning?
When is the best time to create an estate plan? The short answer is that it’s never too early. While everyone’s situation is unique and may vary, there are a few important reasons you should consider creating an estate plan today.
Coronavirus and Virtual Estate Planning
Whether the coronavirus pandemic has you worried about your future or spending your downtime being productive, it has certainly inspired widespread changes including highlighting the need for estate planning. People are thinking about what would happen to them, loved ones, pets, and their assets if they ended up in the hospital or passed away suddenly.
What is the Most Common Type of Trust?
What is the most common type of trust? There are several options to choose from, so how do you know which one is the right fit for you?
How to Find an Estate Planning Attorney
While I’m positive you know how to find an attorney, as it’s easy to make a few phone calls or look online. There are some key things you should look for and ask when searching for an estate planning attorney.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Prepare a Medical Power of Attorney?
Many of us have not given any thought to what would happen in the event we suffered from a medical emergency and were unable to speak for ourselves or make our own medical decisions. In such an unfortunate circumstance, you will need someone to make decisions regarding what is best for you and to advocate on your behalf with your medical providers.
What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?
When planning for your future, you will want to consult an estate planning lawyer to discuss plans for your possible future incapacity and eventual death. An estate planning attorney does more than simply prepare your Last Will and Testament.
Why Do I Need a Trust?
“Why do I need a trust?” It’s a valid question, and one we hear rather frequently at our probate and estate planning law firm.
The Top 5 Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples
If you’re an unmarried couple in a serious relationship, you’re likely already sharing many of your assets. You may live together, share a vehicle, or even have children.
Here’s Why You Should Never “DIY” Your Estate Plan
Are you or someone you know thinking of doing your estate plan yourself? If you are, there are a few things you should consider.
Estate Planning in the Digital Age
If you have an estate plan, it has all of your physical assets covered. But, do you have a plan for your non-physical assets that are stored electronically?
Should I Hire an Attorney or Do It Myself?
As an attorney, I commonly get asked: “Is this something I need a lawyer for, or can I do it myself?” The answer depends on several factors.
Here are some questions to help you decide if you should get a professional.
Why You Need Both a Will and a Trust
One of the biggest estate planning myths that we hear all the time in our office is that a last will and testament and a revocable trust are interchangeable. The main difference between a trust and a last will and testament is how your assets are retitled after you pass away.
What is Guardianship and Conservatorship?
A few weeks ago, a woman called our office in a panic asking if she could set up power of attorney documents to manage her mother’s finances. Her mother was just placed into an assisted living facility due to advanced Alzheimer’s
How to Choose a Successor Trustee
When families come in to meet with me for their free Personal Family Legal Session, one of the important things we discuss is how to choose a successor trustee, which is the person(s) or company that will administer the plan after the death or incapacity of the trust creator. Every family has a unique set of needs when passing on their legacy, and choosing the right successor trustee is an important part of your legal plan.
Common Questions and Misconceptions About Probate
As an experienced, licensed estate planning attorney, I have seen a lot of poor advice given by a friend of a friend with no legal qualifications whatsoever to be giving advice. Poor legal advice and subsequent poor estate planning can cost you and your family thousands of dollars to rectify.
What Happens to My Pet if Something Happens to Me?
More than three in five Americans (62%) have at least one pet in their household, and 95% of those pet owners consider their pets to be members of their family. Animals have become our best friends, our companions, and sometimes, the only family we have.
Estate Planning in a Paperless World
Technology has changed the world so much in my lifetime. Before the digital age, I would get my bank statements by mail, now I get them in my email or log in online to check balances.
Still Have Questions or Not Sure Where to Begin?
Contact us today to schedule your free one-hour meeting with an attorney to assess your estate planning needs.