Introduction
A radio producer from Hype Media Global’s Community Central TV contacted me to request a radio interview about basic estate planning. My first thought was WOW. Not only was I gratified that I was “the chosen one,” but I also appreciated the opportunity to explain the importance of basic estate planning, along with reasons why many people choose [...]
Up Close and Personal With Debrina Washington: My First Radio Interview
Published on November 20, 2009 by Debrina Washington
No Seriously, 20 Year Olds Can Die Too!
Published on October 28, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Last week, my blog took a more humorous tone. I’m switching gears and tone this week, partially because I want to discuss a serious matter and partially because I had a tough week. Today, I won’t site any case law or relevant statutes. All I have to offer today is life experience.
You see, this week [...]
Single? Of Course You Don’t Need an Estate Plan
Published on October 13, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction
Time and time again, I’ve heard single people say “I don’t have a large family or much property, I don’t need an estate plan.” I have to be honest, prior to the birth of my son, I thought the exact same way. Admittedly, it took me a year after my son’s birth to complete my [...]
Vacation Without the Kids? Wait, Don’t Forget To…
Published on September 24, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Appoint a Temporary Guardian and Execute a Temporary, Limited Power of Attorney (POA), of course! Oh, and don’t forget to lock all of the doors.
If you managed to convince someone to watch your little ones, while you secure yourself some much needed adult time, first of all, Congrats! Secondly, you should execute a temporary POA, [...]
New York’s Statutory Major Gifts Rider
Published on September 20, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Introduction
In conjunction with the amendments to the New York Power of Attorney, effective as of September 1st 2009, previously discussed in detail here, the New York State government enacted a mechanism for a principal to grant an agent the power to transfer gifts to a beneficiary. The New Power of Attorney controls the handling of the principal’s general affairs, while the Statutory Major Gifts Rider (SMGR) [...]
Revised New York Power of Attorney– Why Should Single Parents Care?
Published on September 17, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Summary of New Power of Attorney Law
On September 1st, 2009, an amended New York Power of Attorney (POA) law became effective. The new “durable” (form remains in effect, even in the event of incapacity) POA places additional requirements on both the principal and the agent. In fact, the agent is required to sign and date [...]
Permanent Guardianship— Who Could Permanently Replace ME?
Published on July 25, 2009 by Debrina Washington
I mean I’m the holy grail of single mothers, do-it-all, multi-tasking writer of blog posts, dinner cooker, clothes ironer, tucking the baby into bed of single mothers, if I haven’t mentioned that yet already (YEAH RIGHT). Who could possibly replace ME?? Seriously, I start to sweat when I think about someone raising my son, [...]
Temporary Guardianship—Questions A Single Parent Might Ask Regarding Choosing a Guardian?
Published on July 25, 2009 by Debrina Washington
Let me say up front that my journey down the road of preparing for my son’s future, in the event of my untimely death, was wrought with trepidation. You see I’m one of those people that begin contemplating my own immortality each time I hear of a close family member who unfortunately, met an [...]