Unwritten Promise to Write a Will is Not Enough
FEBRUARY 20, 2017 VOLUME 24 NUMBER 8 Here’s a basic rule, applicable in every U.S. state: wills need to be in writing. But what about a promise to write a will, or to leave a particular item to a particular person? Unsurprisingly, those promises usually have to be in writing, too. Jim’s Story Take Jim […]
Estate Planning in Second-Marriage Situations Can Be Tricky
AUGUST 17, 2015 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 30 We frequently see clients in second (or even third or fourth) marriages, with children from prior relationships. When we discuss how their assets should be distributed, they can usually give us a quick summary. Their plans vary, but they often fit into one of these models: Maybe the […]
Can a Person with Dementia Sign Legal Documents? (Part 2)
MARCH 4, 2013 VOLUME 20 NUMBER 9 Last week we posed the question, and then mostly wrote about competence (or capacity) to sign a will. We promised to explain more about the level of competence required to sign other documents. So let us now tackle that concept. A person with a diagnosis of dementia may […]