Who will care for your pets if you can no longer do so? If you have a dog, cat or other pet, you know that the unconditional love and affection our pets devote to us improve the quality of our lives in ways nothing else can.

Problems often arise when a parent with minor children passes away with no estate plan in place, leaving behind potential hardship on the emotional and financial future of their minor children.

A humorous take on how families pass on businesses, such as family farms, is reflected in this quip: Avenge your children; give them equal shares in your business.

While planning for the care of a special needs child certainly tops the list of emotionally-charged topics, the peace of mind parents gain from a well-designed estate plan is immeasurable. The mere idea wrenches the heart of any parent: if untimely death or disability strikes, who will care for your children? Because no one is immortal, most of us recognize the need for an estate plan, preferably one that appoints a suitable guardian for our children, sees to their financial needs, and avoids probate. In the best of circumstances, it’s a task requiring clear thinking and good legal advice. But [Read more...]