Many people make the mistake of thinking that once they’ve prepared an estate plan (Will, Trust, and related documents) that they won’t ever have to change or update it. Remind clients that estate plans should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. The following events may require an update of the estate plan. Change […]

Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you can understand how great it is to turn a lead from your website or social media site into a client. Chances are you receive web leads often, but are you truly capitalizing on their potential? Here at the Academy, we recognize the importance of a powerful website. […]

It’s no secret that law firms should be present on social media platforms. Users spend countless hours using Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media on a daily basis. If you aren’t around to capture some of that attention, your prospective clients aren’t finding you. These online communities give you a chance to humanize yourself […]

Settling an estate after a death can be expensive. However, clients aren’t always aware of the costs that will need to be paid by their estate after their death. These costs include settling a variety of debts incurred during the client’s lifetime, as well as costs and taxes incurred due to the client’s death. Costs […]

Spoiler Alert: this is a painful post. In the past two months, my college student son has known – by just 2 degrees of separation – 6 college students who have died. (In other words, he knows someone who knows the deceased.)  Two were students at his own college. Three were the victims of a […]

You’ve finally selected the beautiful new office space, hired the moving company, and connected your phone and Internet service. Maybe you’ve even sent an announcement to all of your clients. You’re finally relaxing a bit, thinking you’re all prepared to move your law firm to your new office. Well, think again. Unless you’ve taken some […]

Philip Seymour Hoffman died unexpectedly February 2, 2014, at age 46. Hoffman had roles in dozens of films. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 2006’ Capote and won many other awards for his roles over the span of his career. Hoffman had been partnered to Marianne (“Mimi”) O’Donnell for […]

When you are planning your estate you are providing for your loved ones who will survive you. Nobody generally overlooks the two-legged Members of the family, but it’s easier to forget about planning for the four-legged types as well. An Imperfect SolutionPlanning for the proper care of your pet can mean setting aside resources for […]

Don’t miss this edition of the Academy’s Girl Friday as your Girl Friday goes behind the scenes at the Academy to get the scoop on what to expect at our upcoming Spring 2014 Event in Houston, Texas! Interested in finding out more about how to attend an Academy event? Give us a call at (800) […]

Most clients aren’t familiar with the terms professionals use in discussing who administers their estate and affairs and what those responsibilities are. By providing information on the responsibilities associated with these terms, you can help the client make the best decisions possible. Beneficiary: The beneficiary receives something of value from the estate. For that reason, […]