by Lauren Jackson | Nov 11, 2024 | Attorney, buying a home, Lawyer, mortgage, Real Estate, real estate closing
When searching for a home loan (mortgage) or refinancing an existing mortgage, it is confusing to compare one loan to another. We all want to get the best deal. One might think the loan with the lowest advertised interest rate would always be the best option....
by Lauren Jackson | Aug 26, 2024 | Attorney, buying a home, Contract for deed, Contracts, Deed, Lawyer, mortgage, Real Estate, real estate closing, selling a home
A contract for deed, also known as a land contract, installment contract, or a bond for deed is a legal agreement between two parties, a buyer and a seller. Unlike most traditional real estate transaction that involves a mortgage from a bank, in a contract for deed...
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 18, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, executor, Lawyer, Wills
As an estate-planning law firm, we are asked by clients, how much money do I need to create a will? In simple terms, there is no minimum net worth requirement for creating a will. Frankly, net worth is far down on the list when it comes to reasons for drafting a will....
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 12, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, Lawyer, Living will, Power of Attorney, Wills
Recently I recorded an episode on the Your Life, Your Money Podcast with financial advisor Scott Sierens. During this episode we went through the fundamental aspects of estate planning, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting why having a solid estate plan...
by Lauren Jackson | Jul 8, 2024 | Attorney, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, executor, Joint Trust, Lawyer, Probate, Trusts, Wills
A question during the probate process evolves around what happens to debt after your parents die. Are the children responsible for their parents’ debt? In most cases, children are not personally responsible for parents’ debt when they die. However,...
by Lauren Jackson | Apr 24, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, Guardian, Lawyer, Power of Attorney, Trustee, Trusts, Wills
Choosing a guardian for your children might be the hardest question to answer when completing your estate plan. Determining who the guardian of your child is is a significant life decision but also a deeply personal one. There are many considerations to think of when...
by Lauren Jackson | Mar 19, 2024 | Attorney, buying a home, Lawyer, owner's title policy, Real Estate, real estate closing, Real Estate Inspection, selling a home
Your dreams have come true and you just purchased a home. Everything was great until you moved in. After the first rainfall, your basement floods, or your roof leaks and your home has sustained water damage. You suspect that this is not the first time this house has...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 29, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, executor, Lawyer, Probate
If you are involved in a probate process and serve as the executor or administrator of an estate you know how time-consuming, difficult, and stressful a task it can be for you. Acting as executor/administrator is often a thankless job that can quickly turn...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 15, 2024 | Attorney, Beneficiaries, Estate Planning, Lawyer, Living will, Power of Attorney, Retirement, Revocable living trust, Trusts, Wills
Whether you want to think about it or not, there comes a time in everyone’s life when it is too late to complete an estate plan. Waiting until the last minute, or until a significant life event occurs, can lead to complications and potential limitations. Being an...
by Lauren Jackson | Feb 1, 2024 | Attorney, Estate Planning, financial advisor, Lawyer, Limited Liability Company, Retirement, Small Business
One of the most important things we can do for our families, and our future selves, is to save money in retirement accounts. I’ve noticed a common client misconception that all money in retirement accounts (IRA, 401K, 457, etc.) is protected and untouchable by...
