by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Uncategorized
The divorce process can be long and expensive. However, the work does not end once the divorce decree is signed. In order to ensure that your assets and estate planning wishes are carried out in light of this major life change, there are three things you must do as soon as possible. Change Beneficiary Designation On […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Featured Posts
When you hear the phrase “estate plan,” you might first think about paperwork. Or your mind might land on some of the uncomfortable topics that estate planning confronts head-on: end-of-life decisions, incapacity, and your family’s legacy from generation to generation. Those subjects hit home for everyone. But while that could feel like a reason to […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Asset Protection, Uncategorized
With extreme wealth accumulated, one would assume that celebrities would take steps to protect their estates. But think again: Some of the world’s richest and most famous people enter the pearly gates with no estate plan in place, while others have made estate planning mistakes that tied their fortunes and heirs up for years in […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Storing Documents
Estate planning attorneys are often asked where original estate planning documents – wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives – should be stored for safekeeping. While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, consider the following: Should you store your original estate planning documents in your safe deposit box? Many people […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Uncategorized
News about the coronavirus is everywhere, and we have all been affected by it in some way, even if we are currently completely healthy. Although it may seem as though circumstances are spinning beyond our control, we are not powerless. There are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our families, both physically and […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Uncategorized
Why Your Estate Planning Project Must Morph into a Process Many people put their estate plan on their to-do list as a one-time project: “Create estate plan” or “Meeting with lawyer 10:30 a.m. Thursday for estate plan.” Thinking of your estate plan as a single project or task to complete and move off your list […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Featured Posts
The Minnesota Legislature is making big decisions on tax reform this week that will have an impact on estate and gift tax planning. The changes come as the state legislature tries to align the state tax system with the new federal system that saw a major overhaul in 2017 thanks to the 2017 Tax Cuts […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Featured Posts, Get Started on Estate Planning, Trusts
Studies have shown that 70% of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90% by the end of the third. Help your loved ones avoid becoming one of these statistics. You need to educate and update your heirs about your wealth transfer goals and the plan you have put in […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Asset Protection, Featured Posts, Get Started on Estate Planning
You May Not Think You Need a Will, But You Really Do. Most Americans do not have a simple will as part of their estate plan. You might believe that a will is only for the rich and famous, and not the average person who has a far smaller net worth. On the other hand, […]
by Orchard Law Firm | Topics: Featured Posts, Get Started on Estate Planning
When you hear the phrase “estate plan,” you might first think about paperwork. Or your mind might land on some of the uncomfortable topics that estate planning confronts head-on: end-of-life decisions, incapacity, and your family’s legacy from generation to generation. Those subjects hit home for everyone. But while that could feel like a reason to […]
