Marriages involving a spouse with bipolar disorder can be very difficult to navigate. In my forty years of experience, reaching a settlement agreement is often nearly impossible because the affected spouse has a difficult time being rational.

​This can cost both parties substantial attorney's fees and court costs. Your best hope is that both parties have reasonable counsel who can help guide everyone toward a fair conclusion.
​
If you are considering a divorce from a spouse with bipolar disorder, contact our office today to discuss a strategy that protects your interests and helps you reach a fair resolution.

When drafting a will, people often make specific requests, leaving particular items to certain individuals or entities. After these specific bequests are fulfilled, the remaining assets are then distributed according to the will's residuary clause.
Many people who start making these special requests overlook the potential tax consequences, especially in Kentucky, where they might incorrectly assume no inheritance taxes will be due. This is not the case. Any bequest not given to a Class A Beneficiary is likely to incur some type of Kentucky inheritance tax. For this reason, it is wise to discuss any such bequests with your attorney before finalizing your will.

​To ensure your final wishes are fulfilled as intended and to minimize potential tax burdens on your beneficiaries, contact us today to review your estate plan.

​Remember that in Kentucky, if you bequeath money or items to people who are not Class A Beneficiaries, there will be a tax due on anything valued over $500. That will also necessitate the filing of an inheritance tax return. If you make numerous specific requests for small items, you will increase the expenses for your estate.

Don't let inheritance taxes surprise your loved ones. Schedule a consultation with an estate planning expert.

When preparing your wills, it is important to advise your attorney, particularly in blended families, if there is a prenuptial agreement. If you still want the prenuptial agreement to remain in force and effect, you must be careful not to do things that would nullify it.

​Don't let misunderstandings or oversights jeopardize your prenuptial agreement. Our experienced legal team specializes in estate planning that complements and protects your existing agreements, especially for blended families.
Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you safeguard your assets and your peace of mind.

Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) are unfortunately, at times, misused to manipulate a spouse or gain an advantage in court. While many such complaints are denied, it's crucial to take them seriously. Appearing in court without proper legal representation is not advisable.
​
An experienced attorney can guide you on how to navigate and even prevent such improper strategies. Therefore, it's important not to delay in seeking legal counsel.

​Furthermore, never take legal advice from your spouse. It's surprising to us attorneys how quickly individuals, without any formal training, seem to become legal experts. Always disregard such advice and rely on qualified legal professionals.

Did you know that Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are excellent vehicles for estate planning, particularly for holding real estate? If you own multiple properties or have a blended family, you need to give serious consideration to transferring real estate into an LLC if you have not already done so.

Many problems arise when an aging and disabled parent places one of their children on their checking account for convenience. This practice creates inequities when the parent passes away. On pay on death (POD) accounts, the remaining balance in the account automatically goes to the designated beneficiary, excluding the other siblings, which may have not been the deceased parent's intention. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution and consider the potential consequences before making such a decision.

Kentucky is a joint custody and fifty-fifty parenting time state. It is a high threshold to meet to overcome these rules. Don’t waste your time or money unless the other parent is unfit or dangerous. The greatest abuse in divorce is the use of your children as pawns. The courts will see through it, your attorney fees will skyrocket, and your children will later resent you. 

If a family member has been chosen as executor of a parent's will, don't skip formalities. Even though in the beginning everyone seems to be on the same page, things can change very quickly and a substantial part of the estate can end up being wasted on legal fees as disputes arise. We can help. Contact us today to schedule a free will consultation.