|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Family is not an important thing. It's everything.
~Michael J. Fox~
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keep it simple, right?
In this day and age where everything is complicated, sometimes we look for ways to simplify. But, in the world of estate planning, the question often becomes whether keeping it simple still keeps us and our heirs protected and accurately fulfills our wishes. While estate plans don't have to be complex, they do need to be created in a way that will stand the test of time and weather the changes in our lives. The articles below give great examples of where simple might make sense...but then again it may have consequences. Taking advantage of my free consultation will give you the opportunity to ask the questions that are important in your circumstance so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
|
HIs, Hers & Theirs
Estate Planning for Second Marriages
In the new millennium, blended families now outnumber traditional nuclear families. This new norm creates some interesting challenges in estate planning.
In first marriages, couples generally have the same goals when it comes to their estate planning: take care of the surviving spouse for as long as he or she lives, then whatever is left will go to the children. They may own many of their assets jointly and, at the death of the first spouse, more than likely everything will go to the surviving spouse just as they had planned.
But second marriages (after divorce or death of the first spouse) are different.
(read more)
|
Is a Payable on Death Account
Right for You and Your Family?
Payable on death accounts, or "POD accounts" for short, have become popular for avoiding probate in the last decade or so.
What is a POD Account?
A POD account is a type of bank account authorized by state law which allows the account owner to designate one or more beneficiaries to receive the funds left in the account when the owner dies.
A POD account allows the owner to do what he or she pleases with the funds held in the account during the owner's lifetime, including spending it all and changing the beneficiaries of the account. After the owner dies, if anything is left in the POD account, the beneficiaries chosen by the owner will be able to withdraw the remaining funds without the need for probating the account by presenting an original death certificate of the owner.
What Can Go Wrong With a POD Account?
POD accounts sound great, don't they?
|
 Is It Time to Take Action?
Contact us and find out how easy it is to set your estate plan up. You'll sleep better at night knowing things are taken care of the way you want.
|
|
|
|
Welcome!
Elizabeth Schmitz practices estate planning, probate and elder law. She guides families and individuals as they provide for themselves and their loved ones during all states of life.
|
|
|
| Contact Information |
Elizabeth Schmitz, Attorney At Law
1900 Polaris Parkway, Suite 450
Columbus, OH 43240
614-785-4980
eschmitz@eschmitzlaw.com
|
|
|
|
|
