While trust lawyers in Milford have seen first-hand how important the right legal documents are, we also understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to estate planning. For example, the needs of one family will likely be completely different from those of another. Likewise, a certain single professional may benefit greatly from …

Talking to older or retired parents about their estate plan isn’t necessarily something we look forward to, but elder lawyers in Stratford have seen first-hand why it’s so important.  Of course you don’t want to think about your parents’ death or to come across as insensitive or greedy.  On the other hand, though, ignoring these...

Will lawyers in Milford have a variety of tools at their disposal to help their clients make the best possible choices when it comes to creating long-term plans for their wealth.  Wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements, insurance policies…there are so many ways to grow and protect what you’ve worked so hard for.  In many, many cases,...

Estate planning lawyers in Milford work with clients at all different stages of life.  For example, many couples realize the importance of meeting with an estate planning lawyer before getting married.  While things are rarely straight forward (every situation is unique, after all), they can get pretty complicated in cases where one or both of...

So many Americans are pet owners, and estate lawyers in Milford have various ways of helping their clients to care for these pets.  To be honest, it’s pretty common to overlook the potential need to plan for a pet after your death, but it’s something that more and more people are recognizing as an integral...

Should You Go It Alone or Hire A Milford Business Lawyer? Businesses in the Milford area will almost always benefit from the services of a business lawyer.  While a business owner can certainly fill a whole lot of roles, that of attorney is often one of the trickiest.  It’s not just a matter of specialized...

Every once in a while, we see situations where some celebrity seems to be going off the deep end, and someone—usually a parent—is named as their “conservator.”  But, what exactly does this mean, and are out-of-control starlets the only ones who need conservatorships?  As a Milford lawyer, it is sometimes necessary to get involved with...

Estate planning lawyers in Stratford sometimes feel like they’re fighting an uphill battle.  We have seen first-hand just how important a good estate plan is, and we certainly want others to understand why it’s imperative.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths that estate planning lawyers encounter on a regular basis.  Knowing which are true...

We live in an incredible age where all kinds of information is right at our fingertips via the Internet.  We have more power to learn and do things for ourselves than at any other time in history.  This is great for empowerment and building knowledge, but it can occasionally get us into a little trouble....

There are few times in life that are as exciting and full of promise as the period of wedding and newlywed planning.  People know that their wedding day will be one of the most remembered of their lives.  While there is certainly stress involved in making so many decisions, there is also an underlying sense...

Work With an Elder Law Attorney in Stratford to Plan for Your Grandchildren’s College Education Without a doubt, one of the joys of being an elder law attorney in Stratford comes from seeing the pride clients have in their grandchildren.  They continually tell us how amazing it is to see their children become parents and...

Probate attorneys in Milford are well aware of how difficult the process can be for families and friends who are grieving, for those who value privacy, and even for those who need to get an estate closed to pay off debts and take care of other obligations. Day in and day out probate attorneys hear...

When you walk into a Trumbull estate planning lawyer’s office, you are going to hear some terms that are either completely new to you or that sound like something out of an old movie.  It’s a good idea to have some understanding of these terms ahead of time so you don’t spend time doing anything...

For parents of children with disabilities, whether minor or adult, it’s a good idea to take the extra step of meeting with a Stratford special needs planning attorney.  This gives you the opportunity to set up the best possible scenario for your child if you are no longer able to provide care for him or...

Just as everywhere else in the country, folks in Milford often put off their estate planning for many reasons.  Whether it’s facing your own mortality, or that of your parents, the prospect of needing a will or trust isn’t something that many of us want to think about.  The reality, though, is that when we...

A small business is a part of your identity, not to mention your livelihood.  Business planning lawyers in Orange look to protect both aspects of this should you die or become incapacitated.  Advanced planning is one of the smartest things that you can do to ensure that your small business meets the goals you have...

Even if someone has a will in place, it’s still quite likely that his or her estate will need to be overseen by a good probate attorney in Trumbull. These professionals understand the incredibly complex process that goes along with closing out someone’s estate after he or she has passed away. Those who have worked …

Clients come to their estate planning lawyers in Milford with a desire to make a difference to the next generation.  Obviously, there is a need to plan for children and grandchildren, but many Milford residents are also looking for ways to benefit their favorite organizations.  Charitable giving provides an opportunity to do something good for...

The decision of who to appoint as your executor or trustee is a huge one, and we’ve talked about it a bit in the past.  Still, it’s important to make sure that you have the information you need to make the right choice with your Milford estate lawyer.  This person will hold incredible responsibility for...

This is the fourth in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Milford estate planning lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics that you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. In this series, we have covered estate planning considerations for...

Franklin Drazen of Drazen Law Group, LLC has recently received the honor of being named a 2014 Connecticut Super Lawyer. This is the 4th year that Drazen, a trust and estates lawyer in New Haven County has received the award. Milford, CT – Franklin Drazen of Drazen Law Group, LLC has recently received the honor...

A Stratford Will and Trust Lawyer can make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row so that if you become incapacitated or die, your loved ones will know how to manage your estate and follow your wishes.  Laws in Connecticut vary from those found around the country, which is why you …

This is the third in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Milford estate planning lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. In the previous two editions of this series, we looked at...

A Stratford Will and Trust Lawyer can make sure that you have all of your ducks in a row so that if you become incapacitated or die, your loved ones will know how to manage your estate and follow your wishes.  Laws in Connecticut vary from those found around the country, which is why you …

If you are dealing with an estate that has to go through the probate process in Connecticut, your smartest move is likely going to be to work with a Shelton probate lawyer.  There are cases where very simple estates will move through fairly easily, but there is still a matter of paperwork, accounting, etc. to...

This is the second in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Milford Will and Trust lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics that you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. Our last article looked at several things you will...

Probate lawyers in New Haven work with their clients to put together plans that clearly explain what the client wants.  At least, that’s the hope.  When it comes to the administration of a will, however, there are several instances where a will is contested, often by an adult child of the decedent. One of the...

There are times in life when it is obvious that people in the Stratford area should start meeting with a trust and estates attorney.  For example, it’s more obvious that seniors need to get their estates in order than younger people do.  While some situations are more urgent than others, there are actually quite a...

When it comes to annuities, trust lawyers in Milford, Connecticut do at times recommend these financial products for their clients…and they may be a great choice for you.  This particular article is just to offer some additional food for thought on making decisions regarding whether or not annuities are wise additions to your overall estate …

This is the first in a series of articles on what to expect when you work with your Shelton estate planning lawyer.  Each article will cover several of the topics that  you will need to consider to make a plan that works for your needs. Estate planning lawyers in Shelton, as well as around the...

Trust lawyers in Shelton work with unmarried couples to help protect their assets and their partners’ interests should one of them pass away.  The way that federal and state laws are set up, it is customary for a spouse to receive assets of an estate through the probate process.  Unfortunately, things are far less cut-and-dry …

Recent changes to Medicare are giving elder lawyers and their clients some new options, and you may want to meet with your Connecticut attorney to see if they apply to you.  A class-action lawsuit was brought, and the proposed settlement has some big implications for those with disabilities and chronic conditions. For decades, standard Medicare...

Wills and trust attorneys in Milford see a variety of situations both before and after our clients pass away.  While family bickering and grief are certainly a darker aspect to what we do, there is another situation that often brings about difficulty.  What happens to a pet when you pass away? This isn’t something that...

One of the jobs of a New Haven trust lawyer is to help clients choose the person who will be responsible for a trust that has been set up.  The trustee has several very important jobs, and things will go smoother if he or she is aware of these responsibilities up front.  Here is some...

There are so many considerations to make when doing your estate planning, and it can get downright confusing.  Suddenly you’re talking about assets and investments, wills and trusts, life insurance and death taxes.  No wonder people turn to their estate planning lawyers in Milford for help. In order to de-mystify at least one of these...

Despite the best efforts of wills and trusts lawyers in Milford, there are times when a will is challenged.  There can be many reasons why this happens, and it is up to the courts to determine what is appropriate in these situations.  Some of these include: The will wasn’t signed The person creating the will...

One of the benefits of serving in the US military is health care through the Veterans Administration.  There are a variety of benefits available for both veterans and surviving spouses, and the criteria for each can vary.  Some estate planning attorneys and elder law attorneys in Trumbull work with veterans specifically in order to ensure...

Special needs planning attorneys in Milford have very specialized knowledge that can help families plan for their children’s future.  There are so many things to keep straight when it comes to raising your special needs child, and focusing on what will happen to him or her after your death is not something that is pleasant...

Probate attorneys in Connecticut are charged with the responsibility of helping a deceased’s loved ones through the probate process.  This is the court procedure that closes out a person’s estate when he or she has passed away.  If the deceased did not set up a trust, then there is a very high chance that probate...

Will and trust lawyers in New Haven recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to estate plans.  Every situation is different, and each person needs individualized attention.  While there are services that offer cookie-cutter forms that will supposedly allow you to set up a decent plan, there is no comparison to working with an actual...

Estate planning lawyers in Milford have always had to keep up with the times, and this is just as true in Connecticut as it is anywhere else.  Oftentimes these changes include things like new legislation, but there are other factors that need to be considered, such as differing lifestyles and advancing technologies.  Have you ever...

Oftentimes, a person isn’t even aware of what a probate lawyer in Stratford does until he or she is in need of one.  Of course, it is a great idea to hire a probate lawyer before you actually “need” his or her services so things can go as smoothly as possible when it comes to...

When a divorce—also called a dissolution of marriage—is imminent, meeting with an estate planning attorney in Stratford is likely not at the top of anyone’s list of things to do.  But, it very well should be.  Keep in mind that divorces can take a fairly long time (months or even years) to complete.  It makes...

It’s always a great feeling when a new client meets with a wills and trusts attorney in Shelton to get started on his or her estate planning.  Every day, people in Shelton recognize the importance of putting a plan into place to prepare for their own futures as well as those of their heirs.  Wills...

Parents of children with special needs in Milford face a whole extra set of challenges in addition to those of other parents.  On top of physical therapy, occupational therapy, IEPs, and any of a million other details, these parents face additional estate planning needs.  That’s where a special needs planning attorney in Milford can make...

Single parents tend to work hard for their children, so it’s no wonder that those in Stratford want to protect the children they would leave behind should the adult pass away or become incapacitated.  Every day it falls to the single parent to provide just about everything for his or her children, and with 13...

When it comes to estate planning, many people are confused about what happens to their credit card debt when they die.  Clients tell their Milford estate planning lawyers that they thought the debt would be forgiven, for example.  Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, so it’s a good idea to understand what will happen to your …

Will and trust lawyers in Trumbull encourage individuals of all ages to get involved in their future planning.  The truth is, though, many people put this important process off until later in life.  For some people, an upcoming retirement is the trigger that makes them start to think about the importance of estate planning. The...

All across the nation, states and communities are struggling with their views on same-sex marriage.  While many aspects of the issue are being debated, voted on, appealed, and so much more, that doesn’t change the fact that same-sex couples in New Haven need to have legal protection to ensure their estate planning wishes are met...

Children and Estate Planning – A Natural Progression When it comes to estate planning, children are one of the biggest reasons that couples turn to a Milford guardianship attorney in the first place.  To be fair, though, most of the time, those children have already been born into the world.  What happens to the “assets”...

There are a lot of reasons to consider setting up trusts for your children, but trust and estates lawyers in Stratford see far too many cases where this just isn’t done.  One of the biggest reasons for not setting up a trust could be that you just don’t think you have enough assets to warrant...

As is true throughout the country, families here in the New Haven area come in all shapes and sizes.  Trust lawyers need to be adept at understanding the complexities of all types of family situations so they can represent their client’s best interests and wishes.  One way to do this for blended families is to...

One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is the opportunity to create your legacy.  Believe it or not, creating a legacy isn’t all about having Shelton libraries and hospitals named after you.  Instead, there are some more cost-efficient, yet great ways that you can help your family remember your values and beliefs. A...

In a landmark 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court paved the way on Tuesday for marriage equality by overturning section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which defines marriage between a man and a woman on the federal level. Likewise, the Court “declined” to uphold California’s Proposition 8, which means that Judge Vaughn Walker’s...

Any trust and estates lawyer in Orange, CT can tell you that they have to ask their clients a lot of very uncomfortable questions.  Who really wants to think about their own mortality and contemplate what life will be like for their families after their own death or if they were to be incapacitated?  But, …

When a Milford elder lawyer’s clients enter a hospital or other medical facility, they have the peace of mind that comes from knowing their healthcare wishes will be made clear to the staff.  This is because the attorney and the client were able to sit down and go through various situations and scenarios to put...

If you have a family member with special needs, it is important to factor him or her into your estate planning.  In fact, there are “special needs trusts” or “supplemental needs trusts” which can be created specifically for this purpose.  Working with a special needs lawyer in Trumbull, CT is  the best way to make...

Entering the newlywed planning stage here in Milford is incredibly exciting.  Sure, there are dresses and tuxedos, cakes and wedding registries, but more importantly, you are starting your life with someone else.  And you want that life to be as comfortable and “successful” as possible.  That’s why finances should play a part in your newlywed...

Do single people need a will or trust attorney?  Yes! Really, “yes” is the only answer that’s really needed, but we’ll go ahead and create a whole blog post to offer some insight as to why estate planning is important for singles and not just for families. One of the most important reasons for a...

There are a lot of important reasons to spend time working with an estate planning lawyer in Milford. In addition to making sure your wishes are clearly defined and legally valid, there is also the issue of saving your beneficiaries from paying excessive taxes on what they inherit. In estate planning circles, the story of...

If you’re like 70% of people in the US who have a retirement plan, you still haven’t worked with a professional such as a trust and estates attorney in Milford in order to determine how much money you really need to save.  A recent study found that only about 30% of this group has actually …

It is clear to estate attorneys in Milford that the most valuable asset for many local residents is their homes.  First of all, there is no way to put a price on the emotional, historical, and personal value of your home.  From house shopping to paying the mortgage every month to having a safe place...

Trust lawyers in Milford see how trends come and go in the field, and an interesting new one has been showing up increasingly in the last several years.  Those who are creating their wills and trusts are beginning to include their wishes for their survivors to travel more.  In order to do so, they are...

If you’re like 70% of people in the US who have a retirement plan, you still haven’t worked with a professional such as a trust and estates attorney in Milford in order to determine how much money you really need to save.  A recent study found that only about 30% of this group has actually …

Trust lawyers in Milford see how trends come and go in the field, and an interesting new one has been showing up increasingly in the last several years.  Those who are creating their wills and trusts are beginning to include their wishes for their survivors to travel more.  In order to do so, they are...

It is clear to estate attorneys in Milford that the most valuable asset for many local residents is their homes.  First of all, there is no way to put a price on the emotional, historical, and personal value of your home.  From house shopping to paying the mortgage every month to having a safe place...

There are many reasons why clients here in Milford choose to revoke a will.  Family circumstances change, financial situations change, even minds get changed.  An estate planning or wills and trusts lawyer in Milford can help you determine when it is appropriate to revoke a will, as well as what happens next.   There are some …

The person whom Milford trust and estates attorneys have long referred to as the “executor” has now been given an alternative name when managing your estate. Now known as the “personal representative”, this person is appointed by either the person doing the estate planning or by the courts when there was no one named in …

Elder lawyers in Milford work not just with our older clients, but also with their caregivers. In many cases, this means adult children who have or will be given power of attorney, not to mention those who just step up to help when something is needed.  There are some legal issues which seem to arise...

Estate planning, with or without a lawyer, can be a little overwhelming.  For an estate planning attorney in New Haven, there are plenty of questions which come up again and again.  Take a look at the list below, and maybe you’ll get some of yours answered: Do I really need an estate plan if I...

It's not unusual for legislation to affect the realm of estate planning. From tax implications to guardianship of children, an estate planning attorney has to keep up with the ever-changing legal landscape.  This is certainly true when it comes to estate planning for same-sex couples in Connecticut. The legal aspects of a same-sex relationship often …

Elder care lawyers in Milford work with families to prepare for any number of situations in the estate planning process.  One circumstance which is especially relevant to elder care law is dementia.  After all, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are almost exclusively conditions which appear or worsen with age.    Along with the emotional strain...

Receiving an inheritance is both an honor and a responsibility, and estate planning attorneys constantly see individuals who are just not ready to take that on appropriately.  Unlike items of sentimental value, such as jewelry or family heirlooms, a financial inheritance was likely meant to be used toward your own monetary goals.  The temptation to...

Wills and trusts lawyers in Milford see just about every circumstance which results from a parent’s death.  Some siblings handle the will and trust administration gracefully and with dignity, while others turn to squabbling and pettiness.  When we work with our clients, they are often very concerned about how to treat their children equally when...

When it’s time to start your estate planning process (that time is right now, by the way), entrepreneurs need to remember to take their small businesses into consideration.  Whether you own the entire business outright and work for yourself or you simply own a portion of the entity, you will need to leave instructions for...

Every family has its own approach when it comes to talking about financial and legal information.  Milford will and trust lawyers see everything from very open and transparent situations to those where discussions of money are considered taboo.  In reality, families which are at the estate planning phase should be having at least some superficial...

If you already have children or are making plans to grow your family, it makes sense to consider a 529 plan.  These are plans which are set up before your kids even head out to college, allowing you to put money aside for tuition so it will be there when you need it. There are …

One of the most important jobs of an estate planning attorney in Milford is to help parents choose the right guardian for their children.  This is the person (or people) you designate to care for your minor children if you should die before they become adults.  Working with an estate attorney to choose a guardian …