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Annual Checkup: Is Your Estate Plan Up-to-Date?

Having an estate plan is an important step toward protecting your family for the future. Keeping it up-to-date is just as important as having one in place, especially if your wishes and circumstances have recently changed. more...

Bilal Kaiser - Feb 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
Estate Plans and Intellectual Property: What to Consider

When creating an estate plan, you want to be sure to take all your property into consideration—including your intellectual property. Passing a trademark, copyright or patent though a will or living trust can ensure the benefits of your hard work go to the people you choose. While many intellectual property owners may not realize they can pass on their property rights through an estate plan, whether you know it or not, your intellectual property could end up being much more valuable than you think. more...

LegalZoom Staff - May 2011 - Last Wills
A Conversation with Colleen Stiles on Getting her Will with LegalZoom

You might have seen her on TV in one of the LegalZoom commercials, talking about her last will and living will. She and both her children—fraternal twins—all got their wills at LegalZoom.com. More than just planning ahead, she simply believed it was the right thing to do. As her life unfolded in an unexpected way, the significance of that decision came into clear focus. She shares her story here. more...

LegalZoom - Feb 2011 - Last Wills
Hospital Visitation & Decision-Making Rights for More Americans

An April 2010 decree from President Obama states that hospitals must allow designated loved ones access to a patient even if they aren’t related by blood or marriage. The decree was prompted by a hospital denying Janice Langbehn the right to see Lisa Pond, her long-time partner, before Pond’s death. The decree is viewed as a win for gay rights. more...

Bilal Kaiser - Aug 2010 - Living Wills
Top 3 Ways to Protect Your Family in 30 Minutes

A little preparation can go a long way. These three simple tasks can help you prepare for disaster and make sure your family is protected when they need it most. more...

Sherry Ciurzcak - Nov 2008 - Prevention & Safety
Terri Schiavo: What You Should Know About Living Wills?

It began like most marriages: in happiness, bliss, and love. November 10, 1984 marked the gathering of friends and the marriage of Terri Schindler and Michael Schiavo. After just six years of marriage, and still very much in love, their lives changed forever. At age 27, Terri suffered a heart attack. Michael called 9-1-1, and his wife was rushed to the hospital. She never regained consciousness. more...

James Peters - Oct 2007 - Living Wills
Why didn't Michael Schiavo seek a divorce?

When Michael Schiavo stated emphatically that he refused to divorce Terri or turn her care over to her parents, people across America began talking. The question on everyone's mind was: But, why not? It seemed that Americans could all agree on one thing: if he divorced her, the whole dilemma would have ended. So what kept him from doing so? Read more to find out.... more...

Susan Funaro - Oct 2007 - Living Wills
Why Terri Schiavo has the nation talking about Living Wills

Terri Schiavo has been on everyone's lips for months. Her fate became a bitter battle on every front imaginable: political, legal, and religious. Yet, her story had a great impact on the American consciousness, as it led innumerable people to prepare their own living wills. The question is: what is a living will and, why is it imperative to have one? Read more to find out.... more...

Susan Funaro - Oct 2007 - Living Wills
Powers of Attorney and Living Wills: Which is Right for You?

As medical technology advances and life expectancies increase, more and more families have to face difficult end-of-life issues. To spare their loved ones the prospect of having to make hard decisions many people are turning to living wills or powers of attorney. Both documents help signers ensure their wishes are followed and empower persons to make critical decisions for them. But which document is appropriate for which situation? Let's examine the purpose of these documents in greater detail. more...

Sherry Ciurczak - Sep 2007 - Living Wills