Virginia Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney, Melanie Lee offers insights and advice to help families protect themselves and those they love and preserve their assets in a practical and easy manner I am an estate planning attorney because estate planning or someone’s lack of planning touched my life in a very real and personal way. The truth is, I remember the very day I became interested in Estate planning. After graduating from Law School, I was completing a clerkship and headed to … [Read more...] about Advice from Your Eldest daughter: Estate Planning and Elder Law blog
Updating Your Estate Plan Is Essential
Today we live in a more health conscious society than in years past. We know that drinking lots of water is essential. Eating a diet with a good balance of fruits and vegetables is essential. Working out and keeping our bodies moving is essential. You know what else is essential? Updating Your Estate Plan. Even if you have an estate plan, if your documents are out of date you can still run into trouble down the road. Actor Heath Ledger, Brokeback Mountain star and most famously known for his … [Read more...] about Updating Your Estate Plan Is Essential
Blended and Pureed Families: Protecting Your Loved Ones
“You got a package deal!” Proudly proclaimed my step-son as he hugged me good night with a huge grin on his face. The truth is he was completely right! My twelve year old son is everything a mom/step mom could ask for. When I married the man of my prayers last year, I not only became a wife but a mother. Like millions of Americans, I have a blended family. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, blended families now outnumber traditional families in America. Interestingly enough, rising … [Read more...] about Blended and Pureed Families: Protecting Your Loved Ones
Incapacity Planning in Virginia: The Role of Your Revocable Living Trust
Some advice from your oldest daughter on incapacity planning …you must understand your revocable trust. For many individuals seeking comprehensive estate planning, a revocable living trust is one of the more powerful tools available to you to protect against the needless cost and time imposed by the probate process. However, while you might understand that revocable living trusts give you the ability to reduce or eliminate the necessity of probate, you might not realize that a revocable living … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning in Virginia: The Role of Your Revocable Living Trust
Would James Brown Feel Good About His Estate Plan?
James Brown reminds us again to “Get on Up” to Estate Planning Recently, the highly anticipated movie “Get on Up” staring Chadwick Boseman hit theaters. Like many, I rushed to the theater to see the movie based on the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul. The movie was an entertaining depiction of his personal journey from an impoverished childhood, through personal struggles as an adult and his ultimate rise to iconic status. Yet, I could not watch the movie without remembering the … [Read more...] about Would James Brown Feel Good About His Estate Plan?
Critical Conversations- Power of Attorney
Here's an important piece of advice from me- Your Oldest Daughter (or sister in some cases :-)) Be Brave and Have the Critical Conversations Everyone knows in theory that they should plan early but having the conversation with someone you love to get at least a basic power of attorney in place is not exactly “light” or fun conversation. One of the hardest parts of working with families is being called when it’s too late to help. Often adult children will contact us wanting us to help an … [Read more...] about Critical Conversations- Power of Attorney
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day! Remember to cherish your Mothers and hold them dear. Here in the United States, this coming Sunday, May 11, is Mother's Day. As most of my clients and friends know…my own Mother, Barbara Lee died last year three days after a wonderful Mother’s Day celebration. I was blessed with an extraordinary Mother who loved me unconditionally. Although, I share with clients and prospects the story of how my Father’s death and lack of planning brought me to the field of estate … [Read more...] about Happy Mother’s Day!
Why Every Adult Needs an Advance Medical Directive
Happy National Healthcare Decisions Day! In honor of this national holiday, I want to share with you some important information about Incapacity Planning. Understanding Incapacity Planning: Why every Adult needs an Advance Medical Directive Here in Central Virginia, we have found that many people have heard the terms “Advance Medical Directive” or “end of life” planning but have no idea what it really means. As your ‘oldest daughter/sibling and family advisor’ I feel there is no subject more … [Read more...] about Why Every Adult Needs an Advance Medical Directive
Advice From Your Oldest Daughter
Advice from Your Oldest Daughter: Elder Law and Estate Planning blog Virginia Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney, Melanie Lee offers insights and advice to help Virginia families protect themselves and preserve their assets in a practical and easy manner I am an estate planning attorney because estate planning or someone’s lack of planning touched my life in a very real and personal way. The truth is I remember the very day I became interested in Estate Planning. After graduating from Law … [Read more...] about Advice From Your Oldest Daughter