Appointing a trust protector can add a checks and balances system to your estate plan, says SmolenPlevy Principals Jason Smolen and Dan Ruttenberg. Read more »
Protect Your Peace of Mind with a Trust Protector
Powers of Attorney: Springing vs. Non-Springing
Estate planning typically focuses on what happens to your assets when you die. But it’s equally important (some might say more important) to have a plan for making critical financial and medical decisions if you’re unable to make those decisions yourself. SmolenPlevy Principals Jason Smolen and Dan Ruttenberg say […] Read more »
What is At-Will Employment?
The most common form of employment in the United States is at-will employment. What does it mean for someone to be employed at will, and how does that affect businesses and their employees? Explaining At-Will Employment At-will employment is a type of employment where an employer agrees to pay an […] Read more »
Compiling a Marital Balance Sheet in Divorce
When thinking about divorce or entering the divorce process, organizing your financial documents is a smart way to be prepared and help the process move along smoothly. The first step is to compile a marital balance sheet. This document shows the assets and liabilities owed by the couple, whether individually […] Read more »
Do Retirement Accounts Go Through Probate in Virginia?
People can inherit a variety of assets like a home, money and other items laid out in a will. But what happens with one’s retirement accounts? They can be inherited, but like all other inheritable items, it is important to know what the law says in your state. What is […] Read more »
Grandparents and Siblings Can Petition for Child Visitation in Virginia
A former couple finalizing their bitter divorce, may never want to see each other again. However, because they had children, life gets more complicated. Each set of grandparents share their disdain for the former spouse, but adore their grandchildren. Each parent may try to block their former in-laws from visiting […] Read more »
Principal Jason Smolen Shares 4 Estate Planning Documents Every College Student Should Have
You have no legal parental right to make medical and financial decisions for your 18-year-old. Parents are used to signing all sorts of documents for their younger children — permission slips, liability waivers, medical releases. That shouldn’t end completely when a child reaches 18, becomes a legal adult, and heads […] Read more »
Screen Time Doesn’t Need to be Scream Time
Divorce can be hard on children, so instead of jumping into the pool or enjoying other favorite summertime activities, don’t be surprised if they retreat into their screens. Smartphones and tablets can serve as an escape from family stress and a gateway to games and virtual worlds where their parents’ […] Read more »
Understanding Child Custody & Relocation in Virginia
A major concern with divorce is what happens to the children. Who gets custody and how is that decided? What about relocation? Can a non-custodial parent prevent a custodial parent from moving away with their child? The simplest answer: It depends. There are different types of custody, and the rules […] Read more »
What Happens to the Family Business After Divorce?
Businesses are as complicated as marriages Maintaining a family business, like divorce, is a process that requires attention to detail and the ability to understand the needs of other people. You can’t just shut down a business because things became too tough or because you grew apart from your spouse. […] Read more »
How Does Divorce Impact Your Estate Planning?
After a divorce, you most likely want to move on and leave that relationship in the past, but that can be hard when you have estate planning documents with your ex-partner’s name on them. If you’re going through a divorce, remember to update your will and other estate planning documents […] Read more »
My Spouse Won’t Sign The Divorce Papers
Divorces are unpredictable. While no one goes into marriage expecting to get divorced, it can happen and may be the best solution for couples with unresolvable marital problems. But what happens when a couple who disagree about everything, can’t agree on divorce? Principals Alan Plevy and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, walk […] Read more »
What Can a Prenuptial Agreement Do For You?
It has become more common for people to consider signing a prenuptial agreement, or prenup, prior to getting married. These agreements are sometimes thought to only be for “the rich”, but they can save anybody a lot of time and stress later on. What is a Prenuptial Agreement? A prenuptial […] Read more »
Is a Living Will Right For You?
Many people choose to craft a living will as part of their estate plan. These documents serve as a directive that can help protect incapacitated people from getting unwanted medical treatment. The estate planning process can be intimidating and sometimes confusing, but knowing your options can create peace of mind. […] Read more »
Why You Should Think About Spousal Limited Access Trusts (SLATS)
Co-written by: Jason D Smolen, JD – Founding Principal, SmolenPlevy Ryan Bartholomew, JD, LLM – Principal & Counselor, GW & Wade Sherman Moore – Vice President, Client Development, GW & Wade One of the most discussed trust and estate tools worth considering in 2021 is the Spousal Limited Access Trusts […] Read more »
