– Helpful Guidance from Shreveport’s Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
Revocable trusts can help protect an individual’s assets during their lifetime. It can also make things much smoother to distribute those assets once the grantor dies. While utilizing a revocable trust can be a powerful tool in estate planning, understanding how to manage it after a settler or grantor’s death is extremely important. Using the services of an estate planning attorney near Shreveport will make things much easier for you.
5 Steps for Handling a Revocable Trust after the Death of the Grantor
After a grantor or settlor passes away, all assets held within the trust become its property. If you have been named as a co-trustee or successor trustee, you will take over control of the trust and handle the distribution of the assets. Here are steps to get you started in completing its terms:
Gather All Trust Documents: Now is the time to gather all the trust records, including any amendments and restatements. Take time to read through the trust terms and learn who the beneficiaries are. Gather all brokerage and bank statements and insurance policies. You’ll need to know the value of each account at the time of death.
Obtain a Tax Identification Number: You will need to open a bank account for the trust, which will require a tax ID number from the Internal Revenue Service. You can obtain one by requesting it online at www.irs.gov/. Take the life insurance policies, cash them in, and put the proceeds into the checking account. This also goes for investment accounts.
Look at Held Real Estate: If the grantor held real estate, you would need to transfer the property out of the trust and over to the beneficiary. The Trustee’s Deed will then need to be recorded in the appropriate government office. If there is no named beneficiary, you will need to sell the real estate and place the proceeds into the trust’s bank account.
Distribute the Assets: Once all assets have been liquidated, you will then need to distribute them as set out in the terms of the trust. You’ll want to get receipts from the beneficiaries for record keeping, as they receive their shares.
File the Tax Return: Be sure to keep careful records as you will need to file the proper tax returns.
Ensure Trusts Are Handled Properly with Help from David L. White
Don’t leave anything to chance with your responsibilities as a successor trustee. Depend on the services of a qualified estate planning attorney like David L. White. He and his team will work with you to ensure you take the necessary steps to liquidate the trust and distribute the assets. They can also assist with probate, succession, simple and complex wills, and powers of attorney. He has extensive knowledge of the Louisiana court system and will assist you in navigating through the process. Proceed with confidence with his help.
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana, to discuss your needs and establish your next steps. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Information from Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Many have heard divorce horror stories. A husband comes home from work to find his wife has taken everything and emptied their joint accounts. Maybe a wife who learns her husband filed for divorce a week after he took their $10,000 savings account to $0. Marriage breakups are complicated and can become acrimonious quickly when one party thinks they can take everything. Utilizing the services of a qualified divorce lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana, can help mitigate the effects of a wayward ex-spouse.
Depend on a team determined to help you navigate the divorce proceedings and ensure your marital assets’ distribution is fair. Look to David L. White for guidance and assistance before you head to court. He will sit with you and explain your rights and the process so that you can make the best decisions for your situation. When you need a divorce lawyer that will advocate for you, look to David and his team.
How Louisiana Views Marital Assets, Including Your Money
Community property states view all assets acquired during your marriage as being equally owned. Therefore, the courts will require a 50-50 split of all marital assets, including all bank accounts. Any money and assets held before the marriage are generally not included in joint assets; however, if any have been co-mingled, they are fair game for the courts to split between the divorcing parties.
Here are a few exceptions to the general rule of community property assets:
Inheritances
Gifts received during the marriage
Money judgments awarded for personal injury claims
What Happens When Your Soon-to-be-Ex Drains Your Bank Accounts
Divorces can get nasty fast when one party takes advantage of another party. If your soon-to-be-ex drained your checking and savings accounts, they could be in for a rude awakening from the courts. Hiding assets is frowned upon by the Louisiana judicial system. Here are three possible scenarios they could face during divorce proceedings:
The spouse could be ordered to return it. It doesn’t matter if the funds have been spent. For example, the $5,000 a spouse pulled out of a savings account for their new apartment may have to be returned.
The court could order sanctions against the offender. These can include requiring the spouse to pay fines or the attorney fees of the other party.
There could be penalties. The person withdrawing the funds may be penalized by adjusting how the marital property is divided to compensate the other party.
Choose David L. White to Lock-in Your Rights during Your Divorce
Protect your children and your rights when you hire David L. White as your Bossier city divorce lawyer. He can help make the settlement process as painless as possible. He can assist with marital property distribution and issues of child support, visitation, child custody, and spousal support. Trust that he looks out for your best interests and be your advocate. Please don’t go into the courtroom without his help!
Contact your divorce lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana, to discuss your case and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Guidance from a Knowledgeable Bossier City Personal Injury Attorney
Many of us rely on nursing homes or assisted living facilities to care for our aging parents. These facilities provide healthcare, food, and general living support when our loved ones can no longer live on their own. The responsibility is great, mainly because of the trust we give them. We want to believe that an injury may never happen, but it sometimes does. If your senior has suffered an injury while staying in a nursing home, when is it time to contact your Bossier City personal injury attorney?
Protect your loved ones while ensuring their rights by contacting David L. White to step in and assist you. He has a long track record of getting his clients the maximum compensation with his extensive experience as a personal injury attorney. You can trust him to advise you on your best course of action.
9 Signs of Possible Nursing Home Negligence
It can be challenging to determine if your loved one has suffered abuse by nursing home staff. Additionally, it may seem unbelievable that the people you trust to care for your elderly parent would abuse them. Here are some common signs of nursing home neglect:
Bruising
Broken bones
Bedsores
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Weight loss
Poor appearance of hygiene
Mood changes and depression
Difficulty finding staff to speak with
COVID-19 has made it much more difficult to visit your loved one in the nursing home which can compound the problem. We encourage you to remain in regular contact with them. If you notice mood changes, or your mom seems fearful, depressed, or lethargic, take action immediately and speak with someone in charge.
How to Know if You Have a Valid Negligence Case
Any negligence claim requires proof of four main things:
Duty: The nursing home owes your loved one a legal obligation to care for them reasonably and appropriately.
Breach of Duty: Once it’s established that a nursing home had a responsibility to your senior when they failed to provide reasonable care, they breach that duty.
Cause: The next step is that by breaching their duty to your family member, they caused the injuries sustained by your mom or dad.
Damages: Finally, the injuries caused damage.
Some examples of potential nursing home negligence include physical and emotional abuse, or failure to respond to your parent’s request for assistance in a timely manner.
Contact David L. White to Assess Your Personal Injury Claim Properly
Choose a personal injury attorney that gets things done. David L. White and his staff work tirelessly to ensure your claim is appropriately addressed. No one wants their loved one’s life turned upside down because of negligence. We are here to help you get the results you and your elderly loved one deserve!
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City, Louisiana, to discuss your situation and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Guidance from an Experienced Succession Attorney in Shreveport
Many of us understand that having a will in place is a smart move. It assures you and your heirs that your final wishes will be carried out. Before they can receive your best chinaware or your home in Louisiana, your estate must go through a process called succession. Understanding what that means and how it applies to you can give you and your family the confidence you need when it’s time to go through it.
Choose to work with a succession attorney in Shreveport with the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the confusing laws. David L. White is very knowledgeable about how the process works and strives to ensure your family is properly cared for in your succession plan. You can feel confident that his guidance can assist you and your family in avoiding a bitter battle.
5 Most Common Questions about Succession Law in Louisiana
Some estates are pretty cut and dry. There are the ones with few items to handle and even fewer heirs to whom your estate gets distributed. Then there are others that can put a family to the test. In either case, you need to know some of the basics of succession rules in Louisiana. Here are answers to five common questions:
What is succession? It’s a process used to distribute a deceased person’s assets and settle any financial obligations. The process is also used to transfer an estate to the respective successors by determining the successors’ identity and transferring ownership to them.
How long does it take to complete a succession? The simple answer is, “it depends”. There are quite a few factors that weigh into the final cost, such as the estate’s complexity and how long it takes to gather all the required information. Generally, you can expect the process to be completed in two to six months; however, it’s not uncommon for some to remain open for years.
I have a will. Does my family still have to go through the succession process? Yes. A will helps override Louisiana’s intestacy laws to show who inherits your assets. It’s not used to transfer your estate to your heirs. That’s what a succession will do.
How much does it cost to do a succession? Keep in mind that the total cost will include attorney fees, court filing fees, real estate fees, accounting fees, and any fees for your estate’s executor. Each case is different, so speaking with your Shreveport succession attorney is the first step.
Can I plan a succession without an attorney? Technically you could, but it’s not advised. Hiring a lawyer familiar with Louisiana’s estate and succession laws can help you navigate all the nuances of estate laws and avoid leaving out potential forced heirs that may cause headaches later.
Hire David L. White to Establish a Proper Succession of Your Estate
No one wants their family battling over possessions or worrying that the courts will not abide by your wishes. Avoid the added frustration during a sad time by hiring David L. White as your succession attorney. We stand ready to help you secure the future of your loved ones when you call us today!
Contact your succession attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana, to discuss your situation and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– From an Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana
Many parents heave a huge sigh of relief once the holidays are over. For some, it isn’t necessarily because kids go back to school or the never-ending presents being unwrapped. Instead, they’re thankful to get through another season of dealing with ‘The Ex.’ Each year can bring a lot of frustration and possibly a few tears when trying to work with an ex-spouse over who gets the kids for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays. Why not make the New Year a time for a change in your co-parenting dynamics?
Give your children the best family ties by striving to effectively and positively co-parent with your former spouse. The court prefers for parents to work out their plans in the best interest of the kids. When your disputes can’t be resolved, count on the services of a divorce lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana, like David L. White. He has the experience and knowledge to aid you in the decisions you need to make and help you get a favorable settlement quickly and amicably.
3 Suggestions to Make Co-Parenting Work for You and Your Ex
You can find many different suggestions on how to co-parent. It boils down to three main areas that spearhead the rest:
Focus on Communication: Talking things out may not have been a successful part of your marriage, but for your kids’ sake, both of you must learn to communicate. You may need to decide that texting or email is the best option to help keep tensions down, especially if you harbor anger and resentment toward your ex-spouse. Consider setting up boundaries; for example, determine an expected timeframe for a return call or text, and no name-calling. You may want to establish a monthly family meeting where you, your ex-spouse, and your children talk about what is going on in the kids’ lives and what is coming up.
Choose Respect: One way to do this, particularly when you don’t know where to start, is to treat your ex as a business partner or a co-worker and use a business-like tone with them, speaking cordially, respectfully, and neutrally. Your ‘business’ is raising well-adjusted kids that didn’t ask for their family to be broken. You can start by showing up on time during transitions or calling to update if you or they will be late. Respond promptly to texts and phone calls, and avoid speaking negatively about your former spouse in front of your kids.
Aim for Consistency but Remain Flexible: You will have different parenting styles so each household’s rules will be different. Accept that now and work toward honoring it while keeping some consistency for the sake of the kids. You may need to discuss curfews, any off-limit activities, and disciplinary actions. Another item to consider is aiming for a similar schedule for meals, homework, and bedtimes to give your children consistency in their tossed-up world. Even though you will parent differently. Stay flexible, and things will fall into place.
Choose David L. White to Ensure Your Parental Rights Are Preserved
The goal is practical co-parenting that gives your kids the best opportunity to grow. If finding common ground is not working, seek out the services of an experienced divorce lawyer in Shreveport. David L. White is well-versed in Louisiana’s family law and can handle a successful settlement or mediation that keeps your rights and those of your children in the forefront. Call us today for the support you deserve!
Contact your divorce lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana, to discuss your case and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Guidance from Bossier City’s Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
When you last went to your doctor, did you see a general practitioner or a specialist? While your regular doctor can help you maintain your overall health, when something comes up that they are unfamiliar with, they will often refer you to a specialist. Specialists are interested in a particular area, whether in medicine, accounting, or other fields. Similar to a specialist, lawyers can also focus on specific practice areas of law to gather depth of experience and knowledge.
Choose representation from a criminal defense attorney in Bossier City who has years of experience defending your type of case. David L. White has the knowledge and tenacity you need, whether you face a felony or misdemeanor. Each case is different, but David White knows how to navigate the complex system and fight for you.
4 Kinds of Defense Lawyers to Represent You
Say the words ‘defense lawyer’, and most people automatically assume that a crime took place, hence the need for a criminal attorney. That’s only a portion of the types of defense you may need in court. Here are the four most common types:
Criminal: These law professionals often handle cases involving assault, battery, theft, fraud, DUIs, white-collar crime, sex offence, drug abuse, and violent crimes. Once your lawyer is on the job, they will gather information regarding your case, review it, and build a strong defense strategy. Their goal is to challenge every aspect of the case against you to obtain the best outcome under the circumstances. Each case is different, so the results will vary.
Juvenile: Some lawyers will offer their services mainly to defendants between the ages of 10 and 17. This law area is unique as the sentences and penalties are not the same as for adults, even if the crime is the same. In most situations, the goal is to find rehabilitative solutions so the children can have a fresh start in life and avoid incarceration.
Civil Litigation: People who have been named in a lawsuit will look for representation from a civil litigation attorney. The goal is to prove that the defendants are not liable for the claimed damages. These types of cases include divorce, personal injury, and mass torts.
Public Defense: When you cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, you may have one appointed to you by the court. Your public defender general works for government agencies and will handle several cases at one time. Their job is similar to that of their privately hired counterparts, working to get you a fair and reasonable outcome to your lawsuit.
Get Fair and Honest Representation for Your Criminal Case – Hire David L. White
No one holds a crystal ball to tell you how your case will go, but your chances are better when choosing a criminal defense attorney with the experience you need. We have a high success rate and help many families get their lives back. Don’t let a criminal case turn your life upside down. Contact David L. White and his team today for a free phone consultation. Let him restore hope to your situation.
Contact your criminal defense attorney in Bossier City to discuss your case and discover your options. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Handy Tips to Keep in Mind from an Experienced Shreveport Attorney
Goal setting is common; most of us like to feel organized by starting out with defined objectives. From the first time we’re asked what we want to be when we grow up, to the day we graduate high school and beyond, we think about our future and where we would like to be someday. Not so many of us think about planning for our death. It’s often a hush-hush subject that makes us feel a little sad to think about. There’s no need to dread what happens after you pass away; instead, take the time to handle it now.
Add estate planning for your family’s future to your list of goals. Then speak with an experienced Shreveport estate planning attorney like David L. White. He understands the complexities and nuances of Louisiana’s probate laws. He will sit with you, discuss your options, draft the needed documents, and be there to help when probate becomes necessary.
5 Mistakes in Estate Planning and Probate
As you begin your journey into the realm of estates and probate, it’s good to learn from others who have forged ahead of you. Here are five common mistakes that happen either in the estate planning phase or during probate that you will want to avoid:
Failing to Plan or Updating an Existing Plan: Few of us like to think of our own demise. However, when we don’t have a will or estate plan in place, the state will determine how your estate will be handled and it may not be the way you would have wished. A will makes provisions for your spouse, children, and others you want to leave an inheritance for. Additionally, you can take advantage of estate tax savings provisions, you get to choose your executor, and you pick who controls your minor children’s assets. Remember that things change, making it vital to review and update your will regularly and after a significant change in life circumstances, like marriage or divorce.
Not Planning for Incapacitation or Long-Term Care Needs: COVID-19 proved to everyone that you could become incapacitated at any time. On the flip side, without emergencies like a pandemic, we generally live longer and likely will need long-term care for those waning years. In either case, you should consider having someone available to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated and have funding in place for your long-term care needs.
Not Utilizing Trusts for Family Who Are Minors, Disabled, or Immature: Those in your family who cannot manage assets on their own, such as a minor child, need assistance. Too often, a financially immature beneficiary gets hold of a large sum of money and squanders it away. Trusts are one way to ensure that the funds you leave are available to support them or for specific purposes.
Waiting for the Death Certificate to Start Probate: If you happen to be an executor or beneficiary of a deceased loved one, you may think you should wait to start probate until after receiving the death certificate. In some cases, it can take weeks to get it. Instead, get started immediately on handling the affairs of the deceased’s estate.
Not Gathering All Financial Assets into an Estate Account: Once a person dies, their executor needs to start gathering all financial assets into an estate account. If mom had her checking in one bank and her savings and CDs in another, they need to be brought under one account. Failure to do so can leave you with a personal judgment from the courts.
Hire the Right Shreveport Estate Planning Attorney – Choose David L. White
Don’t leave your family in a lurch by failing to create an estate plan or acting on an open estate. David L. White, Shreveport’s established estate planning attorney, has decades of experience to help you. He understands Louisiana’s complex probate laws and can assist you in establishing a plan. If you need support on probate for a loved one’s estate, he can help, as well. Our firm can handle your planning needs, so please give us a call today!
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport to find out more about planning your estate or handling probate. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Answers from Your Personal Injury Attorney in Bossier City
If you find yourself in an accident or hurt by another person or even an animal, you may have a lot of questions about what to do next. What now? How will I pay my bills if I’m off work? Should I sue? The list goes on and on. It can be overwhelming and frustrating when all you want is closure and go back to living your life.
Get answers to all your questions when you reach out to Bossier City’s personal injury attorney, David L. White, and his staff. He understands your frustrations and concerns and works diligently to get you answers, support, and the compensation you deserve. You can trust him to guide you and do what’s best for your case.
5 Common Questions about Personal Injury
Here are the key questions most people have when they suffer a personal injury:
How do I know if I should contact an attorney? If you’re in an accident, getting medical attention is your first priority. It’s also critical to get photos of the accident scene, assuming you are not badly injured and transported to the emergency room. Next, consider talking with an experienced personal injury attorney. It doesn’t hurt to speak with a third-party that understands the laws surrounding personal injuries, and who can help you determine if filing a lawsuit is the best choice for you. Most lawyers offer free consultations.
I don’t feel hurt, should I still file a claim? Not feeling pain at the scene of the accident doesn’t discount that you were injured. Many times, adrenaline rushing through the body reduces the sensation of pain so you may develop pain and symptoms later. Always seek out a consultation with your doctor as some severe conditions can emerge at a later time. Your attorney will prove very helpful through this process.
How much time do I have to file a personal injury case? Each state is different. Louisiana has a statute of limitations for most accident and injury cases of one year from the accident or injury date. Therefore, you don’t have a lot of time to contact a lawyer and begin the process.
How much money can I get from my case? This depends on many factors, primarily the specific nature of your injuries. To make a determination, a thorough investigation must take place. Your lawyer may be able to give you a ballpark idea but can’t guarantee the exact amount.
How long will the process take? Again, many factors come into play. Few personal injury cases make it to trial as they are often settled out of court. The claims that are complex or where an insurance company is fighting hard to avoid paying will take longer to complete.
Obtain a Favorable Settlement for Your Personal Injury – Hire David L. White
Avoid fretting over the unknown. Contact David L. White, Bossier City’s experienced personal injury attorney. He fights for you and your needs and handles the Louisiana legal system’s complexities to get you the settlement you deserve. Call today and get the representation you can count on.
Contact your personal injury attorney in Bossier City to find out more about your personal injury case. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Advice from Your Experienced Divorce Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana
Divorce is hard on families. The pandemic brought on by COVID-19 has made things much more difficult. Successful families learn quickly to be flexible and frequently communicate about continually changing events. They also know that the pandemic will not last forever, but their kids may be very anxious. Now is the time for divorced parents to step up and take control of their co-parenting duties for the sake of all involved.
It is a very challenging time to navigate through the court system. Choose to work with David L. White, a knowledgeable and experienced divorce lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana. He and his team will look out for you and your children’s best interests amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We can help resolve family law matters in your favor.
Maintain Effective Co-Parenting during COVID-19
When you put your differences aside and follow these tips, you can effectively co-parent:
Stay Informed of Events and Model Best Practices: By listening to reliable news outlets and visiting the CDC website, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments. Use this information to adhere to local and state recommendations; this can include social distancing, regular hand washing, and cleaning and sanitizing surfaces of frequently used objects. Remember that your kids are watching you so now is a good time for both parents to model best practices during this time.
Try to Remain Calm: You and your kids’ other parent should exhibit a sense of calm. Take time to have age-appropriate conversations with your offspring about the pandemic in a manner that is realistic, yet optimistic. Reassure them that you are taking steps to keep them safe and so is their other parent. Let them ask questions instead of relying on social media to feed their fear.
Keep Lines of Communication Open: Now is the time to communicate openly with your co-parent about what is happening. Discuss potential exposures or confirmed cases with the goal of keeping your kids safe. Also make sure you are both staying abreast of any symptoms your children may have and talking about it with each other.
Now is the Time for Flexibility and Understanding: The best co-parents know that they need to be understanding and flexible. There is nothing like a pandemic to emphasize this requirement. Talk with each other and create a plan to address potential schedules and possible financial issues that may arise. We haven’t faced anything like this before, so it’s imperative to work together for everyone’s sake.
Encourage Parental Bonding for Each Parent: During this unprecedented time, parents may be working from home while kids are doing remote learning. Some parents may be out of work. Higher stress levels brought on by the pandemic can be alleviated by opportunities to enjoy some extra time with your kids and the same for their other parent. Try to encourage any additional time for parental bonding.
Ensure Your Kids Get the Most from their Parents
Don’t let COVID-19 keep you and your kids from enjoying an opportunity to grow as a family, even if divorce is involved. David L. White has years of experience to help you navigate Louisiana’s family law system. We fight for you and your kid’s rights that encourage effective co-parenting. Contact us today!
Contact your divorce lawyer in Bossier City to find out more about co-parenting. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
– Helpful Tips from Your Knowledgeable Shreveport Estate Planning Attorney
Never in our history has it been more vital to keep our finances and estate in order. The coronavirus pandemic has left us bewildered and realizing that time is of the essence to make sure our families are cared for after our death. If you don’t have your estate planning in order, now is a perfect time.
Ensure your family can abide by your wishes and take the right steps today. Call upon the help of your Shreveport estate planning attorney. David L. White and his team understand the nuances of the Louisiana legal system and know how to assist you. Make better decisions when you talk with us first.
5 Essential Documents to Have in Place
One thing that the pandemic has taught us is that we should keep “our house in order” and our financial affairs ready. Start here to make certain your family is taken care of in the event of illness or death:
Will: You should list out who will receive your property at the time of your death. If not, the state will decide who gets what, and it may not match your wishes. This is imperative if you have minor children who will need a legal guardian if both parents are deceased.
Medical Directives/Living Will: If you should become incapacitated, someone needs to be able to step in and make choices for you. A living will provides instructions to your healthcare team about decisions regarding life support in the event you are terminally ill or in a vegetative state.
Power of Attorney: You may need help with your finances if you become ill. The power of attorney designates someone you trust to handle your financial affairs for you. No one can represent you if you don’t have a durable power of attorney in place, and the court can choose whoever they want, even if it is someone you wouldn’t pick.
Trust: You may want to place your property and belongings into a trust that goes into effect at the time of your death. The trust will hold legal title to your assets, and the beneficiaries can receive it after you pass away. Sometimes this helps with the process of probate or succession.
Beneficiary Designations: While this isn’t a specific document, any life insurance or retirement plans have beneficiaries. You should regularly check your listed beneficiaries and keep them up-to-date.
Establish an Effective Estate Plan with Help from David L. White
Estate planning has never been as critical as during this pandemic. We quickly learned that nothing is as we believe it is but having a plan of action in place makes things easier for all of us. Worry about staying healthy instead of what may happen after you pass. Call upon the services of David L. White. We help families and individuals with estate planning and succession issues. We can also set up a virtual meeting to assist in maintaining social distancing and safety. Give us a call today!
Contact your estate planning attorney in Shreveport to find out more. Give us a call at 318-747-7023.
