"Survey reveals Americans' increasing openness to new methods of burials," Tanya D. Marsh, a professor at Wake Forest University explains in an Indianapolis Star piece. Of the six legal methods of disposition of human remains (cremation, casket burial, green burial,...
Hoosier Estate Planner
Graduation – It’s About More Than the Tassel
"Moving the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left signifies a rite of passage, marking the transition from one phase of life to another," the Honor Society Magazine explains. "The gesture also represents the graduates' readiness to take on new challenges...
How to open a probate estate in Indiana
When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with important legal and financial tasks. In Indiana, one of these tasks may involve probate. Probate gives the court authority to manage the transfer of assets and payment of debts. Knowing how the process starts...
Talking About Giving — Where’s the Disconnect?
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the fact that estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners each have a role in helping clients as they prepare to sell a business. It appears, from recent studies, however, that when it comes to...
Before the Business Sale, Bolster the Estate Plan
Last week in our Geyer Law blog, Cara Chittenden discussed the importance of having estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners work together to help clients realize their goals. Nothing demonstrates the need for precisely that kind of coordination than...
To Do the Estate Planning Tango, It Often Takes Even More Than Two
" By organizing and structuring your estate plan, you can avoid confusion, hefty tax implications, and the potential for family disputes," a Cornerstone Wealth piece points out. But accomplishing those three goals often involves a team with at least three key...
Franchising for Growth? Adjust Estate Plan to Achieve Long-Range Goals
When you want to expand your business, you evaluate possible sources of capital: finance the growth through personal savings and credit cards? apply for a government-backed (SBA) or bank loan (paying interest) as well as personal guarantees? solicit angel investors or...
Heirs and Trustees — Keeping the Trust
Estate planning, truth is, involves an effort to look into the future, anticipating others' needs and helping reduce heartaches and hassle for family members. Last week, in our Geyer Law blog post, "Leaving Legacies, Not Burdens", we discussed "problem assets" that...
Leaving Legacies, Not Burdens
There are assets it's good to leave to loved ones, and then there are others --well not-so good. "Let's face it," Elaine Silvestrini and David Rodeck point out in Kiplinger, "Certain inheritances can be a tremendous burden on your loved ones." "After loved ones...
Bizarre Reminders of the Importance of Pre-Planning
"Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent," Steve Jobs is known to have said. "Not every historical figure meets a cinematic or heroic end," Colin Scanlon writes in Mental Floss. While the article may have been...

