Blog • The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith, P.C.

Do I Need a Will? Why? Do I Need an Attorney? Why? What is Probate? . . . And Other Questions About Wills. . .

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / December 22, 2021

Most people understand the importance and necessity of having a Will. Whether you are young and just starting out, or are established with complex assets, a Will is a basic component of estate planning. Wills,...

How to Include Your Pet in Your Estate Plan

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / November 15, 2021

Anyone with a pet knows that love doesn’t discriminate by species. Four-legged members of our family are just as beloved as their two-legged counterparts, so there is just as much reason to include them in...

Estate Planning for Singles: Why You (Yes, You) Need an Estate Plan, Too

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / November 10, 2021

Estate planning is often discussed as something that married couples with families need. However, more and more people are choosing to stay single, which creates unique considerations in terms of estate planning. Being single, in...

All About Beneficiaries: The Who, What, and Why

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / October 25, 2021

Understanding the role of a beneficiary is important when it comes to estate planning. Whether you are just starting to draft your plan, or you are updating an existing plan, knowing what a beneficiary is,...

The Financial Power of Attorney: Should You Choose a CPA to Act on your Behalf?

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / October 4, 2021

When drafting a financial power of attorney (FPOA), most people will look to family members or close friends when naming an agent who will act on their behalf, should they become incapacitated. However, sometimes it...

Powers of Attorney 101: How to Choose Your Agents

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / September 21, 2021

Both a Medical Power of Attorney and a Financial Power of Attorney (POAs) are essential estate planning documents, but who you choose as the agent in each is even more critical. Your agent is the...

Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Planning for Blended Families

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / September 13, 2021

The modern-day Brady family is more prevalent than ever. According to the United States Census Bureau, 40% of U.S. families are blended. With more than half of first marriages ending in divorce, 75% of divorced...

Special Needs Trust: Learn the Basics

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / September 7, 2021

If you have a child with special needs that hinders them from managing their own affairs, you may want to establish a Special Needs Trust (also known as a Supplemental Needs Trust for them, especially...

Estate Planning with Young Children: 4 Simple Steps to Better Protect Your Family

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / August 24, 2021

As parents, there is nothing we want more than to know our children will be well taken care of at all times, no matter what. Thinking about the “what-ifs” of life can be scary, but...

Irrevocable vs. Revocable Trust: How to Decide Which is Best For You

By The Law Firm of Blanche D. Smith / August 6, 2021

While most people have heard of a trust, the vast majority may not realize that there are various types of trusts. When it comes to estate planning, the types of trusts that are spoken about...

Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Tips, Tricks, News, Upcoming Events & More