The phrase "trust fund" often brings to mind a particular type of person, namely someone who comes from a wealthy family with an excessive amount of money available to spend on luxury and frivolity. Although there are families who have that kind of generational wealth that's passed down to them through a trust fund, it's...

Preparing for college can be exhausting for both the student and their parents. Between paying tuition, getting registered for classes, and setting up a dorm room or apartment, there's a lot of time and money involved. One of the most important aspects of planning for college that's often overlooked is setting up some basic estate...

Every estate planning attorney in Milford has, at some point in their career, heard a sad story about complications in handling a loved one's estate. Legal language can be tricky, and sometimes a minor mistake can cause major problems. One way to prevent potential conflict among family members or a lengthy and expensive probate process...

The national news has been filled with tragedy lately, including acts of senseless violence committed against random strangers. Families and communities across the nation are mourning the loss of their loved ones and doing what they can to help the survivors. While most people are wondering if such a tragic event could ever happen in...

Estate planning for a married couple is often very straightforward: you leave all of your property and money to your spouse, who also takes care of any minor children. But what happens if both parents pass away unexpectedly or if you’re a single parent creating an estate plan? Parents will usually say “then the children...

Modern technology has put research tools once only available to professionals in the hands of everyday people. With nothing more than access to the internet, we can trace our family trees back several centuries. We can now order DNA testing kits through the mail, allowing us to discover our genetic roots without leaving our home....

A senior’s ability to operate a vehicle may be affected by a loss of vision or hearing, by delays in their reaction time, or physical limitations caused by arthritis or other conditions. Fortunately, transportation options have changed greatly over the years, even in areas where public transportation isn't readily accessible. Specifically, ridesharing services are becoming...

Our New Haven trust lawyers are often asked by parents if it is possible to protect an inheritance for an adult child who battles Bipolar Disorder. Unfortunately, one of the hallmarks of the condition is excessive financial spending while in the mania phase of the disease. Parents often worry that if they leave an inheritance...

Modern American families come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and configurations. This creates unique circumstances when creating wills and trusts and putting long-term care plans in place. There is always the potential for conflict when it comes to estate planning in general, but the added element of a blended family can compound problems. That is...

If something were to happen to you and your spouse, what would happen if the authorities or medical personnel did not know that you have minor children at home waiting for you? Picture this; your children are at home and more frightened as each hour passes and you have not returned. The babysitter is scrambling...

Any type of co-parenting relationship can be complicated, especially when the relationship ends in divorce. Divorcing parents of a special needs child, even one that has reached adulthood, may have questions about their rights and obligations as guardians when it comes to decision-making for an adult child with special needs. While laws may vary from...

Granting someone power of attorney means that you are giving them the authority to make important financial decisions on your behalf should you be incapable of making them yourself. The scope, duration, and other specifics are up to you. While the laws vary in each state, it's usually as simple as drafting a document or...

Once an older loved one starts to show signs of dementia, you will likely need to start thinking about the type of care he or she will need in the future. When your loved one gets to the point where he or she is no longer able to remain in their home, a dementia care...

Excluding someone from your will, particularly if it's your spouse or your child, can be complicated. In some states, it's not even allowed. Leaving out people who wouldn't automatically receive any of your estate is usually as simple as just not including them. However, if you do want to be specific about excluding someone to...

One of the hardest things a senior must come to grips with is that he or she can no longer operate an automobile safely. However, this is not usually something they’ll admit to themselves, even if they know it’s the truth. Most of the time it is up to their adult children to determine when...

Stratford estate planning lawyers are often asked by their clients to explain what comprises a basic estate plan. Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question because an estate plan all depends on the situation and the needs of the individual. For instance, a basic estate plan for one person might include a Revocable Living...

By Trumbull Estate Planning Attorney Steven Rubin If you’ve heard of a 529 Plan, you probably think of it as a means of education funding for your children or your grandchildren. These plans are sponsored by state agencies or educational institutions, and they’re available to people of all income brackets. While a 529 Plan is...

If you’re not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It’s incredible to watch the relief and joy that people experience just by implementing her simple strategies to get organized and take back...

One of the most common questions asked when it comes to settling an estate in New Haven County is, “How long is this going to take?” The answer to that question is, of course, going to vary depending upon several factors. In some situations, New Haven County probate may just take several weeks or a...

Losing a loved one is emotionally wrenching. And, unfortunately, being responsible for managing your loved one’s estate and final affairs can make an already terrible situation worse. Amidst all the stress and emotional turmoil, it can be difficult to remember all the important tasks you need to complete. To assist you in handling your job...

Did You Know… Now that your graduating senior is “legally” an adult upon reaching 18, you can no longer make important medical or financial decisions on his or her behalf Your graduating senior may still be your baby, but in the eyes of the law, he/she is now an ADULT!  No one at your young …

As people get into their senior years, it is natural to start thinking about the end of life. Those thoughts can bring about concern regarding the type of inheritance to leave to adult children and exactly how to carry out your wishes when passing down your assets to the people you love. But, thinking about...

One of the hardest things an adult child must handle is the responsibility of overseeing their elderly parent’s care. Trumbull elder law attorneys find that this situation is only made harder when the child and parent live in different states. While arranging for transportation, healthcare, and day-to-day activities is challenging, matters are made even worse...

Trusts are excellent legal tools that can be used to accomplish most estate planning and asset protection planning goals. The most common type of trust is a Revocable Living Trust which will hold your assets and help avoid the New Haven County probate process when you pass away. However, Milford estate planning attorneys warn that...

Your time and energy are spent helping your child with special needs to get the most out of life. But, have you ever considered what would happen to your child if you were to suddenly become incapacitated or pass away? Working with a Stratford will and trust lawyer experienced in special needs law is an...