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Remembering Terry Schiavo; Why We Create Living Wills
If you’re old enough, you may remember hearing about the horrific battle over the life of a 26-year old St. Petersburg, Florida, woman, Terry Schiavo. Terry collapsed on February 25, 1990 from undetermined causes, and although she was eventually resuscitated, she suffered severe brain injury …
Do I Have Liability for an Adult Living in My Home?
In this video, Cindy discusses whether you could incur liability when an adult living in your home – whether your adult child, a parent, a sibling, a friend – dies with debts or needs medical care. Other articles/videos you may find interesting: How Prenups and …
Can You Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Obesity?
Before this new ruling, obesity was not a Medically Determinable Impairment (MDI) for the purposes of SSDI benefits.
Second Marriage? Appoint a Professional Successor Trustee
In this video, Cindy discusses why appointing a professional – instead of your spouse or a family member – is generally the best option in second marriage/blended family situations. Other articles/videos you may find interesting: What Happens if I Die Without a Will? Does Mom …
Stepped-up Cost Basis: A Beautiful Thing
Getting a stepped-up cost basis on inherited assets allows you to save taxes when the asset is later sold. For instance, if your father bought a stock at $10 per share, and it’s now worth $100 per share, if he sells that stock while he’s …
Being a Successor Trustee or Personal Representative is Your JOB
In this video, Cindy discusses the legal responsibility of treating your duties as a successor trustee and/or personal representative as a job that’s just as important – if not more – than anything else going on in your life. Other articles/videos you may find interesting: …
Being a Personal Representative
I read this article not long ago and thought it was worth sharing instead of writing something similar. This is one person’s account about serving as personal representative for an elderly friend when he died, and some real-world advice for those who agree to serve: …
The Importance of Obtaining Date of Death Values
In this video, Cindy discusses why date of death values for certain types of assets are needed, and the importance of obtaining then as quickly as possible. Other articles/videos you may find interesting: Safe Deposit Box Problems Don’t Lose Your Original Will! Ready to make …
How Prenups and Postnups Affect Estate Planning
Second and third marriages are pretty common today for many reasons, so it’s not unusual for a married couple to say to me, “Neither of us needs money from the other when we die – we each want our own assets to go to our …
Dying with a Minor Child, No Spouse, and No Will
In this video, Cindy discusses what happens when an unmarried person dies without a Will and the only heir is a minor child. Other articles/videos you may find interesting: Why Would I Need a Durable Power of Attorney? Preparing to Meet with an Estate Planning …



You wonder whether your granddaughter will think of you fondly when you’re not around anymore.
You want to make sure someone will love and care for your dog, horse, or parrot when you can’t.
Your spouse doesn’t share your love for guns, and you fear your collection could be sold for almost nothing – or even destroyed – instead of being passed on to your children or others who share your passion.