The disposition of online accounts when the account creator (account user) dies is becoming a hotly debated topic between next of kin and the tech industry. Â Most people are not aware that many internet company service agreements prohibit access to their accounts by a person other than the account user, whether the user is dead or alive, and even when the user has voluntarily shared the account password with another person. Â The result? Â Aside from grieving friends and family being unable to access or close accounts, by the end of…Read More
When I first began drafting gun trusts for my clients, I was met with many raised eyebrows from my estate planning colleagues. Their reaction didn’t particularly surprise me. After all, it was poor planning by do-it-yourselfers or unknowledgeable attorneys that created the firearms related estate problems I have had to solve for my clients. I, as a former criminal prosecutor, am aware of state and federal gun laws and what behavior constitutes criminal conduct. While working on estate matters for clients who had plans drafted by attorneys without this…Read More
With the number of online and do-it-yourself (DIY) legal providers continuing to grow, some of individuals may be wondering if they could do their estate planning themselves. The advertising is seductive: attorneys use similar forms, the cost is significantly less than hiring an attorney, and many of these websites and kits are created by attorneys. In addition, most people think their estates are not complicated, and many think they are just as smart as (or smarter than) professionals. In 7 years of practicing estate planning, I have yet to review…Read More
Whether you are rich or poor, it is imperative that you name your trusted health care and financial agent. If you do not, and you are later deemed incapacitated (ie you are no longer able to make your own health care decisions or manage your own financial affairs), the court will appoint a person to act as your guardian (the person who makes health care decisions for you) and your conservator (the person who will manage your finances). Do you really want a judge who has never met…Read More
Before any trip, most of us create a “to-do list” of things we have put off and want to take care of before we leave. Here is a checklist of estate planning things to do before you take your next trip. Taking care of these will help you travel with peace of mind, knowing that if you don’t return due to serious illness or death, you have made things much easier for those you love. 1. Have your estate planning done. If you have been procrastinating about your estate planning,…Read More
The National Firearms Act (NFA) regulates the possession, use, and transfer of several different types of weapons. These weapons are commonly referred to as “Title II” weapons and include machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, suppressors, destructive devices, and Any Other Weapons (AOWs). State laws may also further restricts the possession and use of these weapons. In Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, it is legal to own and use many NFA firearms as long as the NFA regulations are followed. Under the NFA there are two ways to acquire Title II…Read More
Why shouldn’t a concealed carry permit issued by one state be honored by another, just as a driver’s license or photo ID card? The need for personal protection doesn’t diminish when traveling from Oregon to California, for example. In addition, the power of the Second Amendment should not be diminished for the resident of one state entering a neighboring state. HR 822, passed by the House and now stalled in the Senate, would require states to do just that: it requires reciprocity between all states issuing concealed carry permits. According…Read More
Many wartime veterans and their surviving spouses are currently receiving long-term care or will need some type of long-term care in the near future. The Veterans Administration has funds that are available to help pay for this care, yet many families are not even aware that these benefits exist. Pension with Aid and Attendance pays the highest amount and benefits a veteran or surviving spouse who requires assistance in activities of daily living (dressing, undressing, eating, toileting, etc.), is blind, or is a patient in a nursing home. Assisted care…Read More
Alexandria Streich, owner of Streich Law Offices talks about how Idaho creates a unique environment for firearm manufacturers and the Idaho Firearms Manufacturers and Accessories Association, Inc. Idaho Firearms & Accessories Manufacturers AssociationRead More
