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ANNOUNCEMENT!
Check out the most updated articles, news, features, testimonials on our new Law Office of Lorie L. Burch, PC! 
Important Information for Current Clients

 

I am often asked by clients "How often should I review and/or update my documents?"  I'd love to say every year, but that's kind of like the dentist telling you to floss everyday...for most of us, it's not going to happen!  Worst case scenario, I believe it's a good idea to review at least every 3 to 5 years.  With that said, my clients are always welcome to set up a complimentary review via phone or in person.

Outside of a regular review, the following is a brief list of potential life events that should trigger a review of your estate planning.
(This is not an all-inclusive list.)
Changes in Family Relations
  1. Dissolution of a marriage (divorce) or separation
  2. Death of spouse
  3. Marriage of a single person
  4. Changes regarding child, grandchild or other beneficiary:
    • Birth or adoption of a child
    • Death of a child
    • Marriage of a child
    • Marriage dissolution of a child
    • Financial irresponsibility
Changes in Economic or Personal Circumstances
  1. Asset values (increase or decrease)
  2. Change in insurability (life insurance)
  3. Change in employment
  4. Change in employee benefits - must keep beneficiaries up to date!!!
  5. Change in banking/financial institutions 
  6. Change in business interests (e.g., new partnerships, new corporations)
  7. Property acquired in a different state
  8. Change in health
  9. Retirement from business or profession
External Changes - this is why you need me!
  1. Changes in laws (state and federal income, estate and gift tax, trusts, probate)
  2. Change in residence to different state
  3. Death of executor, trustee or guardian
  4. Additional document (HIPAA Release Authority) now recommended as a companion to your medical documents
Please also note the client reminders on the right hand side of this newsletter.  If you believe it's time for a review, call or email us today!

Your friend,
Lorie

Lorie Burch Headshot

Lorie L. Burch

972.385.0558
CLIENT REMINDERS: 

Have you updated the beneficiaries of life insurance and retirement accounts?
 
Have you filled out your Medical ID Card?
 
Have you completed your Will Memorandum? 

Click here to learn more about all the services provided by the Law Office of Lorie L. Burch

 
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Make Your Documents Accessible!    

You have a Will, Medical Power of Attorney, and other documents...so now what?  If the right people don't know you have these documents AND where to find them, they aren't doing you any good.   

 

I provide all my clients with Medical ID cards to keep in their wallets that allow you to record where you keep your documents and emergency contacts.  Additionally, I have provided a letter, available on my website, which can be sent to your loved ones to notify them where you keep your estate planning documents.   

 

Both the Medical ID card and letter include my contact information, because I believe strongly in always being accountable and accessible to my clients.  My current clients may also take advantage of the recent DocuBank program I announced in my last newsletter: Click to learn more!

 

 Here's a testimonial from a client who recently needed to access her documents quickly:

 

"I recently experienced an unexpected medical situation that required emergency surgery.  When being admitted to the hospital the hospital personnel assumed that I did not have a medical power of attorney, will or other legal documents to express my wishes.  I was thankful that my husband and I had taken the time to ensure that we were legally protected when the unexpected happened.  Lorie Burch responded to our request immediately and sent a copy of our documents to us at the hospital, providing me with much needed peace of mind.  You really never know when you'll be in a situation beyond your control,  Lorie makes it very easy to make sure you and your family are protected  when you need it most!"

 

Brenda Simpler,
The Simpler Group (website design and optimization experts)    


Law Office of Lorie L. Burch
972.385.0558

This article provides information of a broad general nature only. 

The information contained in this article does not constitute legal or tax advice.