http://www.avvo.com/legal-answers-search/estate-planning.html Avvo.com - Estate Planning Legal Guides http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/what-is-power-of-attorney A power of attorney is an authorization to act on someone else's behalf in a legal or business matter. Although an oral power of attorney can be valid, it is highly recommended that such authorization be in writing. Here are some definitions and points to consider. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:58:20 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/should-i-have-a-will-or-a-trust This guide helps you to make the decision of whether you should have a will or a trust for your estate plan. Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:35:19 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/5-things-every-busy-parent-must-know-to-protect-their-children In this article, I share with you what you need to know so that you can legally protect your children in case anything ever happened to you. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:23:47 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/13-tips-for-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-children While it’s difficult enough to think about not being there to raise your children, imagine a court choosing a guardian with no input from you . Imagine your relatives arguing in court over who gets your children—or having them agree on someone you would not have chosen. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:08:00 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/understanding-the-basics-of-a-will Below are some answers to common questions I have received regarding Wills in Minnesota Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:28:51 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-protect-your-partner-advice-for-unmarried-couples Unmarried couples do not have the same legal rights and protections as married couples. Marriage-free couples should create certain documents that will protect their partner and themselves. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:26:15 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-protect-your-ira-and-retirement-accounts-from-creditors-predators-bankruptcy-and-the-irs Many people are unaware of the significant risks their retirement accounts are exposed to. Creditors are more aggressive in their attempts to reach IRAs and courts are becoming more compliant in handing them over. These three simple steps will help protect your retirement for you and your family. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:18:23 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/how-to-plan-your-estate-when-this-is-a-second-marriage-protecting-assests-with-blended-families Multiple marriages have resulted in millions of “blended” families. While each family is unique, blended families bring even more challenges for estate planning. Each spouse may have children from prior marriages, may have children together, and there may be support obligations to former spouses. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:09:48 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/parents-with-a-child-who-has-special-needs-have-special-estate-planning-concerns Estate plans must be handled differently when you have a child with special needs. Money and assets left directly to a child are part of the child's estate and may disqualify the child from continuing to receive benefits or qualifying for certain state and federal programs. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:50:02 PST http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/what-gifts-may-i-make-tax-free-in-2009 In 2009, $13,000 may be given away to as many individuals as you want, without gift tax, gift tax filing or an effect on your estate tax exemption. If you are married, $26,000, may be given away to as many individuals as you want, without effecting your taxes. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:06:02 PST