Rockville Estate Planning Lawyer Harry W. Goldberg HomeWills and Probate Articles & FAQs
Arranging to Donate Your Body
Here are the legal basics of full body donations.
Arranging to Donate Your OrgansWhat to do if you want to donate your organs after death.
Charitable Trusts: Tax Breaks for Do-GoodersIf you want to give a big gift to charity, consider a charitable trust.
Checklist for Getting Your Financial Affairs in OrderTake the following steps to help your family should you die or become incapacitated.
Choosing a Guardian for Your ChildrenIf you have young children, you should choose a personal guardian — someone to raise them in the highly unlikely event you can't.
Choosing an Executor FAQWho should you pick—and must that person serve?
Choosing Your Healthcare AgentSuggestions for naming the right person to direct your medical care if you are unable to do so yourself.
Do You Need Life Insurance?Not everyone needs life insurance. Find out whether or not you do.
Duty of Medical Personnel to Honor Your Healthcare DirectivesKnow when healthcare providers must follow your instructions for medical care — and when they may not.
Estate and Gift Tax FAQMost estates don't owe tax, but it pays to be informed. Here's a palatable introduction to estate and gift tax laws.
Family Members' Right to InheritOnly the closest relatives have a right to claim part of your estate.
FAQ for ExecutorsYou have been chosen as an executor of someone's will. Here's how to get the answers and the help you need.
Final Arrangements FAQPlanning some of the details of your final ceremonies and the disposition of your body can be a great relief to your survivors. Here are a few things to consider.
Get Organized NowMake your executor's job easier, and help out your family, by getting your paperwork in order.
Getting Your Retirement Money Early — Without PenaltyJust can't wait for your retirement funds? Painless advice on how to get the money you've socked away for retirement — if you need it right now.
How Durable Powers of Attorney for Finances WorkHere's the simple way to arrange for someone to handle your finances if you can't.
How Healthcare Directives WorkIt's smart to make legal documents setting out your wishes for healthcare in case you are ever unable to speak for yourself.
How Living Trusts Avoid ProbateHere's the lowdown on basic probate-avoiding living trusts.
Is It Time to Change Your Estate Plan?Make sure that it reflects your current wishes.
Leaving Property to Young ChildrenIt's easy to arrange for someone to manage any property you leave to young children.
Life Insurance OptionsWhen it comes to choosing a life insurance policy, you may feel dazed by your options. Here are the basic types and the pros and cons of each.
Living Trust FAQAn introduction to living trusts — a popular way to avoid probate.
Married Couples: Who Owns What?Be sure you know what property is yours to leave or give away.
Probate FAQThe basics about probate.
Reducing Estate Tax by Making GiftsMaking gifts during your life can provide you with tax savings and more.
Reducing Estate Taxes by Transferring Ownership of Your Life Insurance PolicyYou can lower your beneficiaries' estate tax burden by making sure you don't own your life insurance policy when you die.
Retirement Plan FAQQuick answers to common questions about retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, IRAs, Keoghs and SEPs.
Tax-Saving AB TrustsCouples can save a bundle on estate taxes with this kind of trust.
The Estate Tax Is Dead (Maybe)After years of debate, Congress passed legislation that will gradually repeal the estate tax by 2010.
The Executor's JobWhat's involved in wrapping up an estate.
The Perils of Prepayment PlansTips on shopping for funeral goods and services.
Top Myths About Retirement PlansTest your knowledge to see how much you know about taking your money out.
Using Life Insurance to Provide for Your KidsLife insurance may be a good source of income for your children if you die. Here's what you should know.
What You Can Cover in Your Healthcare DirectivesAn overview of some important issues you'll face when preparing documents directing your medical care.
What You Can't Do in Your WillWills aren't the place to handle certain kinds of property or issues.
Wills FAQWhat you need to know about the most basic estate planning document.
