As estate planning attorneys know, the basic estate plan includes a health care power of attorney and a health care directive or living will. Often, we give little notice to these documents. Clients do not like thinking of their own mortality or even the potential for a future illness. But, unfortunately, it involves issues we […]

When a family business is part of an estate, succession planning is vital. Who’s going to run the business after the founder(s) pass on? The kids may not have the financial temperament or business skills to step into Mom or Dad’s hard-to-fill shoes. Personalities play a big part in the success or failure of business […]

When it comes to the first meeting with a prospective client, it’s important to start things out on the right foot and build immediate rapport. Your goal from the start of the meeting should be to encourage a positive mindset and let the prospect know they are being listened to and you genuinely care about […]

This week I’m sharing a blog on Medicaid from Dave Zumpano, who focuses in Medicaid planning. I’ll be sharing Medicaid blogs from Dave Zumpano monthly in this space. Now, here’s Dave’s blog: Blog Author: David J. Zumpano, Esq, CPA, Co-founder Lawyers With Purpose, Founder and Senior Partner of Estate Planning Law Center Many lawyers doing […]

People are dying in more pain and with more psychological stress today than in 1998. This seems outlandish, but so says a new 12-year study, recording the final year of life experiences of over 7,000 terminally ill individuals. The results are unsettling:  the chance of being in physical pain increased by nearly 12%; psychological distress, […]

With over 330 million users, LinkedIn has become the fastest growing social network out there, far outpacing Facebook and Twitter. Savvy attorneys recognize the social media platform’s powerful potential as a marketing tool. Networking & Prospecting on LinkedIn First and foremost, LinkedIn is a networking behemoth that allows you to identify, connect with, and foster […]

The story of financial elder abuse plays out countless times each year. The story is a familiar one in which someone (typically close to the victim) uses their influence to gain some of the victim’s wealth. Of course, the highest profile cases involve the very wealthy. But, they are only the most visible. In the […]

“Bueller? Bueller?” The sound of the teacher’s voice in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as he takes attendance is all too familiar in the world of seminars. The droning voice lecturing at the front of the room while the eyes of those in the crowd are slowly glazing over at a seminar is reminiscent of that […]

This week winter finally made its voice heard in Louisville, KY by dumping almost a foot of snow on us. Though this certainly pales in comparison to the relentless storms that have battered Boston, it was enough to get our attention, close schools and dramatically impact our ability to drive to work. Mother Nature then […]

Which are the happiest states and why? Does it have to do with weather? I’m sure with the grueling winter weather in the northern states this year, people are thinking “sunbelt.” But, surprisingly, climate seems to be less of a factor than geography. All of the states in the top 10 are in the Western […]