There has been much talk in the media lately about Michael Jackson's death – what he owed, what he owned, and who would get it. People were waiting for his Will to be presented to the Court to perhaps get a deeper look at his financial life. Well, his will was presented to the Court… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Parents of Minor Children
New Caregiver Authorization For Minor Children Living With a Non-Parent
For various reasons a minor child will sometimes go and live with someone besides his or her parents. Maybe the parents are struggling with health or substance abuse issues and their child goes to live with a grandparent. Maybe a teenager wants to finish their last year at school and will live with a friend… Continue Reading
Living Wills for Children, or “I Want My Pepsi Now”
Many many years ago, before I was born, a beloved young cousin in my family was sick, and dying of leukemia. Towards the end of his life, there was a sign above his bed that said "nothing by mouth," meaning he should not have anything to eat or drink as he was getting his nutrition… Continue Reading
When Your Child With Special Needs Turns 18 – Guardianship is Not the Only Option
I often receive calls from parents who are challenged by their children’s mental health, emotional, or behavioral needs, and those children are turning 18 soon. "I need a guardianship over my son, he's turning 18." As I talk to the parents I find out that the son is in mainstream school, holds down a job… Continue Reading
What to Do When You Can’t Decide
I sometimes have clients who have trouble making decisions – they can't decide who should be guardian of their children, they can't decide who to appoint as agent under a power of attorney, and they can't decide exactly how to distribute their property when they pass away. And so they do nothing. Maybe they call… Continue Reading
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Guardians for Your Children – Cohasset Library May 28th.
Please note: this event has already taken place. If you would like Leanna to come speak at your group, please email her at Leanna@HamillLawOffice.com Come and learn about the 6 mistakes parents make when choosing a guardian for their children, and how to avoid them. Find out about the 5 estate planning documents every parent… Continue Reading
Is your parent a beneficiary of your estate?
Some of my clients have their parents listed as primary or contingent beneficiaries of their estate. This may be a purposeful decision, or it may be because they named the beneficiaries many years ago before they had a spouse or children, or because their parent would inherit if a spouse predeceased them. Unless having your… Continue Reading
Financially Preparing for Kids With Special Needs
The following US News & World Report Article was brought to my attention by fellow attorney Steve Worrell, who posted it on his Georgia Wills Law Blog. Regardless of what state you live in, it is important to work with an attorney who can help you put a plan in place for your family which… Continue Reading
Preparing For Fall
As you ready to send your kids off to school (kindergarten to college) you'll want to make sure you've taken care of a few things: For any minor children, have you signed an Emergency Guardianship Proxy appointed a guardian in the event that you and their other parent are unavailable or unable to care for… Continue Reading
More Thoughts on Choosing a Guardian for Your Child
One of the most important reasons that parents of minor children need to make a Will, is to name guardians to care for their children in the event neither parent is available. Sabrina Winters, who writes the North Carolina Estate Planning Information Blog has a recent post listing 10 Items to Consider When Choosing a… Continue Reading