Attorneys And Counsellors At Law
If your estate includes forms of intellectual property (IP), such as patents and copyrights, it’s important to know how to address them in your estate plan. Although these intangible assets can have great value, in many ways they’re treated differently from other property types. Read more »
For the second year in a row, Washingtonian magazine names Alan Plevy to its "Top Lawyers" list. The SmolenPlevy co-founding principal is recognized for his outstanding work in the areas of divorce and family law. Read more »
Once again, SmolenPlevy is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the 2019 “Best Law Firms.” Read more »
It’s everyone’s dream to win the lottery. Offices across the U.S. are teaming up to buy tickets now that the Mega Millions jackpot tops a billion dollars. However, if you actually win, you’re going to have a long list of issues to deal with. News radio WTOP turns to SmolenPlevy principal Dan Ruttenberg for five tips for your office’s Mega Millions pool. Read more »
For divorced and separated families, the upcoming holidays can be filled with dread instead of joy. Too often, children are caught in the stressful battle between separated parents, who haven’t realized they need to come up with new ways to make memories. Read more »
There’s no law that says you can’t prepare your own estate plan. And with an abundance of online services that automate the creation of wills and other documents, it’s easy to do. But unless your estate is small and your plan is exceedingly simple, the pitfalls of do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning can be many. Read more »
In most marriages, there is a division of labor where one person is usually responsible for taking care of the finances. Unfortunately, when a divorce occurs, the person who isn’t the household CFO will need to learn and understand what accounts exist. Family law attorney and principal Alan Plevy explains you should begin the divorce process by gathering your financial documents to save money and time in the long run. Read more »
When someone sees they’re named as executor in a will, they believe it is something they must do. However, that may not be what’s best for the person or what’s best for the estate. Being an executor is not a “have to do,” it should be a “want to do.” #ProbateNavigated asks SmolenPlevy’s Marissa Bagasra how to decide whether you should assume the role of executor. Read more »
It's a clean sweep. Jason Smolen, Alan Plevy, Daniel Ruttenberg and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson are named Best Lawyers® 2019. Read more »
SmolenPlevy is pleased to announce Partner Joshua B. Isaacs began serving as President of the Fairfax Law Foundation’s Board of Directors on July 1. The Fairfax Law Foundation is committed to justice in society. The Foundation provides law-related education to the youth and the community; directs legal assistance to the indigent and those with special needs; and promotes access to and improvements in the justice system within Fairfax County, Virginia. The motto of the Foundation is “Equal Justice for all.” In his role as President, Mr. Isaacs will oversee the meetings of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, assist with fundraising efforts, as well as support in the planning of the Foundation’s various programs. Read more »
A common estate planning mistake is to designate a minor as beneficiary — or contingent beneficiary — of a life insurance policy or retirement plan. While making your young child the beneficiary of such assets may seem like an excellent way to provide for him or her in the case of your untimely death, doing so can have significant undesirable consequences. Read more »
Estate planning for a blended family can have unique challenges. Of particular concern: taking care of your children from previous relationships after you’re gone, while also providing for your new spouse. So how do you protect both? Read more »
The last thing you want your loved ones to be burdened with after you die is the overwhelming process of probate. Some probate periods are short, but others seem to never end. On The Probate Nation TV show, SmolenPlevy principal Dan Ruttenberg discusses good and bad probate avoidance techniques. Read more »
After a life filled with success and accolades, 95-year-old Stan Lee — famous comic-book writer, editor, film executive producer and publisher — surely didn’t want his sunset years to devolve into a nightmare of conflict and betrayal more fitting for one of his films than for real life. Since losing his wife, Joan, last year, Lee has been locked in battle both with family and associates over his financial affairs, all while struggling with failing health. His 67-year-old daughter, J.C., is but one of a cast of characters whom Lee says have “bad intentions.” Read more »
Sometimes you need to go to trial for a divorce. Family law attorney and principal Alan Plevy discusses what happens when you and your spouse can’t reach an agreement. Read more »
