Rachel Schromen and Camry Fielders, attorneys at Schromen Law, LLC, both have extensive experience as volunteers with the Domestic Abuse Legal Advocacy Center. They share their passion for DALAC and urge others to get involved with this important work. For the month of October, Schromen Law is hosting a fundraiser for DALAC. Contact us for...
Urgent Estate Planning: Breaking the Procrastination Cycle
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] During the past several weeks at our firm, we’ve received several phone calls from frazzled family members. A loved one is in the hospital, sometimes even in hospice care, and they haven’t started working on estate planning documents. In these moments, we do our best to help these...
Estate Planning with Mental Health Conditions in Mind
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year, more than ever, it is important to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Mental illness can affect anybody, at any time. Treating a mental health condition is rarely an easy task, and recovery is oftentimes not a straight line. For...
Estate Planning with Pets in Mind
Even though pets are legally classified as property, they oftentimes mean much more – they are companions, friends and family. It is not only important to address assets and beneficiaries in your estate plan, but also to address what will happen to your pets should they outlive you. As is true with other aspects of...
Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Autism
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] If you have a child with autism, planning for the future can be daunting – but it is necessary to ensure a successful life for your autistic child after you are gone. As a parent of a child with autism, you are likely concerned with financially providing for...
A Case Against “DIY” Estate Planning
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] The internet makes information much more accessible than ever before, and with that accessibility, many people feel more comfortable attempting to do things themselves. It is easy to search engines to find Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) guides and instructions for just about anything. However, many projects should be left to...
Things To Consider When Choosing a Guardian For Your Children
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] I was recently asked by a new client what I find to be the main thing couples struggle with when it comes to making, and agreeing on, estate planning decisions. It was an easy answer – naming who will be the guardian(s) of their children. Not only is...
New Year’s Goal: Begin or Update Your Estate Plan
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] It’s a New Year, and for many people that means a time to regroup and reset. It’s a time to reflect on finances, health, habits and goals – and to visualize what you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Most common New Year’s goals include improving...
Keep Vulnerable Adults Safe From Financial Exploitation
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] Sarah cries when she relays the story while preparing lunch for her frail, elderly mother who suffers from dementia. A year ago, Sarah and her sister hired a young woman to help care for their mother on Mondays while the sisters both worked. Things seemed to be going...
Protect Your Pet: Create A Pet Trust
[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”] Legally, pets are classified as property, but to owners, they mean much more than that. Pets are companions, best friends, and members of the family. For many people, pets are an integral part of the family. A pet gives unconditional love. But what happens to our pets when...