Need Estate Planning?

You’re not alone. The knowledge that we will eventually die is one of the things that seems to distinguish humans from other living beings. At the same time, no one likes to dwell on the prospect of his or her own death. (We certainly don’t.) But too many people think that estate plans are for someone else, not them. They may rationalize that they are too young or don't have enough money to reap the tax benefits of a plan. But as the following list makes clear, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth.

Probate & Trust Administration

The emotional trauma brought on by the death of a close family member often is accompanied by bewilderment about the financial and legal steps the survivors must take. The spouse who passed away may have handled all of the couple’s finances. Or perhaps a child must begin taking care of probating an estate about which he or she knows little. And this task may come on top of commitments to family and work that can’t be set aside. Finally, the estate itself may be in disarray or scattered among many accounts, which is not unusual with a generation that saw banks collapse during the Depression.

Authors & Publishers

Publishing and Media Law includes copyright and trademark, publishing and agency agreements, contract negotiation and Internet Law. We provide a broad range of legal services to publishers, agents, authors, and web sites. Our services include: Prepublication "vetting" of manuscripts for publishers and authors; Drafting and negotiation of publishing contracts, movie option agreements, collaboration agreements, and agency agreements; Drafting terms of use and privacy policies for web sites; Software licensing; website development agreements and content licenses; vendor agreements; and advice and representation on issues of copyright, trademark, defamation, and privacy invasion in publishing agreements. See our free publishing forms.