Planning for Special Circumstances

FAQs About The Rights of Same-Sex Couples After DOMA Ruling

Seattle estate planning attorney,Wendy S. Goffe, a wrote an excellent and informative guest post for Forbes answering some frequently asked questions regarding the rights of same-sex…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples in Texas After DOMA Ruling

Last week, in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) is unconstitutional.

Planning for Special Circumstances

Are You Married To An Evil Stepparent?

I received a call from a woman whose father recently passed away. His death was not unexpected. He had cancer and knew he was going to…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Can Your Spouse Handle Your Financial Affairs?

Often in marriages, one spouse ends up handling most of the couple’s financial affairs. The division of responsibilities doesn’t always fall along gender lines. Typically, the…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Three Dangerous Consequences of Putting Off Estate Planning

Any attorney can tell you it’s best to create your will while you’re healthy and in full command of all your resources. Unfortunately, though, some people just…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Don’t Forget To Coordinate Beneficiary Designations

Some people go through the time and expense of making a Will but fail to change beneficiary designation on non-probate assets such as life…

Planning for Special Circumstances

The First Step is the Hardest Part

Last Monday, I took the whole day off work. I turned off my computer after making just a couple of phone calls that couldn’t wait, and…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Where Are Your Important Documents?

I got a call yesterday from a woman, who I’ll call Sue, whose mother suffered a stroke. Sue’s mom was only 67 years old. The stroke…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Hoping For the Best Shouldn’t Keep Us From Preparing for the Worst

We Americans are an optimistic bunch. Despite our economic downturn, the majority of us are optimistic about our futures and being in control of our…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Who Is The Beneficiary Of Your Insurance Policy?

I got a heartbreaking call from young woman recently that highlights the importance of updating ones’ insurance beneficiary designations after major life events. She and…