Stouffer Legal Blog

As a parent, you want the best for your children. Whether it's helping them buy their first home, paying off debt, or funding a new business venture, the instinct to support them is natural. But as Benjamin Franklin famously warned, “never a borrower or a lender be.” This cautionary advice seems at odds with modern reality.

In a move that may surprise many, the heir to the luxury Hermès empire, Nicolas Puech, is reportedly planning to adopt his 51-year-old former gardener. While this story might sound unusual, it highlights an important estate planning strategy that many wealthy individuals are exploring when leaving assets to friends or extended family members.

Stouffer Legal is committed to reducing the lengthy probate process by implementing proactive strategies like early estate forecasting, regular reviews, and direct client involvement, aiming to close estates in eight months or less.

Did it end up working? Was she able to cut her ex-husband out of her estate by only leaving him $1.00?!

Learn how occasional forgetfulness might actually signal a well-functioning brain, ensuring you can enjoy today while being prepared for tomorrow.

Protect your heirs' inherited IRAs from creditors and predators by utilizing a trust with a conduit provision. By setting your trust as the beneficiary of your IRA and allowing Required Minimum Distributions to flow through the trust directly to your beneficiaries, you can ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes while providing an extra layer of protection.

In an alarming alert from Baltimore, city officials have warned of a new scam targeting drivers: fake QR codes on parking meters designed to pilfer money directly from checking accounts. This sophisticated scam is a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance in asset protection. As scammers exploit everyday activities to defraud unsuspecting victims, it's essential to verify payment methods, use official apps, monitor financial accounts, and educate oneself about such fraudulent tactics. This excerpt underscores the necessity of being proactive in safeguarding one's financial well-being against the backdrop of evolving digital threats.

Imagine that your family gave all of your stuff away, and you're okay with it. King vs. Bankerd, a pivotal 1985 ruling by the Maryland Court of Appeals, underscores the critical importance of clearly defining the scope of authority and fiduciary responsibilities of an agent under a Power of Attorney, particularly in matters involving the disposal of assets.

In recent years, the topic of life expectancy has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding the widening gender gap. A recent study has shown that women in the United States are now expected to live nearly six years longer than men. This growing disparity not only highlights critical health issues but also underscores the importance of robust estate planning and family preparedness. Our firm is committed to guiding and educating families in these crucial matters, ensuring they are well-equipped for the future.

As the confetti settles post-New Year celebrations and the echoes of "New Year, New Me!" mantras begin to fade, many of us find ourselves setting ambitious resolutions. Yet, a curious phenomenon often occurs: by mid-January, these resolutions seem to slip through our fingers like sand. This cycle of ambition and subsequent abandonment is so prevalent that it has even spawned its own counter-holiday: Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day, observed on January 17th.