by Susan Grissom | Jan 30, 2018 | Probate
When a family member dies, the probate process, using the court’s supervision, settles any outstanding debts. An estate’s executor is responsible for assembling necessary paperwork, and assessing the decedent’s debts and any outstanding taxes due prior to...
by Susan Grissom | Jan 23, 2018 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
When a loved one passes away, family members are tasked with many things which include making funeral arrangements and settling the deceased’s estate, in addition to navigating the grief process. These tasks become more difficult when family members are mired down in...
by Susan Grissom | Jan 16, 2018 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
Over the last 9 ½ years, I have seen several mistakes in executing Last Will and Testaments. It is important that your Last Will and Testament is executed in accordance with the laws in the State in which you are domiciled or in which the Last Will and Testament will...
by Susan Grissom | Jan 9, 2018 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
Are you ready to greet 2018 with New Year’s resolutions that have in built-in staying power? New Year’s resolutions that have real meaning behind them, benefit you, the people you love, and have the ability to have a meaningful effect on your life and the lives of...
by Susan Grissom | Jan 2, 2018 | Estate Planning
The IRS announced increases to the annual gift exclusion and lifetime estate/gift tax exemptions for 2018. The annual gift exclusion for 2018 is $15,000, up from $14,000 in 2017. You can give $15,000 to as many individuals as you would like without the gift counting...
by Susan Grissom | Dec 26, 2017 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
It’s A Wonderful Life – that classic, feel good, holiday movie – has become a staple since its debut in 1946. There’s a reason this delightful film has stood the test of time for the past seventy years – because it reminds us that the holidays are a time for...
by Susan Grissom | Dec 19, 2017 | Elder Care, Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
‘Tis the season to go shopping! The magic of the Christmas season can become less than magical when you’re shopping for a parent who seemingly has everything. That makes this an ideal season to give your parents the gift of estate planning. Gift baskets, figurines and...
by Susan Grissom | Dec 12, 2017 | Estate Planning, Probate, Wills & Trust
The Thanksgiving turkeys are seeing new life as yummy leftovers, Christmas carols are beginning to fill the air, and the holiday season is in full swing. Spending time with family and friends is at the top of many holiday family’s wish lists. While you’re all...
by Susan Grissom | Dec 5, 2017 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
Many parents mark the transition from teenager to adult with a party, a new car, a trip abroad, or, sometimes, a security deposit for their first apartment. What type of gift do you wish to bestow upon your child at this important benchmark in their lives? While most...
by Susan Grissom | Nov 28, 2017 | Elder Care, Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
In the majority of situations, people who have reached the age of legal adulthood are presumed to be capable of making their own decisions. In the event an adult becomes mentally incapable of making decisions in their own best interest, either a Guardian, Conservator,...
