Give Family, Yourself a Plan

By Robert S. Meyring* For Bright Side News February 2012 Knowing that fewer than 50% of the American population able to draft and sign a will or a power of attorney actually have one begs the question: “why is that?” I think about this question a lot because I have a trusts and estates law firm focused, in part, on helping people draft wills or trusts, and helping families deal with the legalities and transitions related...

Only One Life

What can you do to make a difference in the world? Have you been waiting for that moment when you can create change and do something positive to help others? Well, I’m here to tell you that moment is now. Not to get overly metaphysical here, but regretting the past and dreaming about the future in lieu of doing something in the present would seem to result in a sedentary dreamer with regrets. If you are waiting for one...

Fools, Lawyers and Money

Have you ever wanted to do your will and found it’s not as easy as you thought? It should be simple to state who you want all your worldly possessions to go to when you pass away. And in a way it is simple…except for the details. When I Google the question, “how do I write a will?” there are literally 1 ½ billion search results. Have you ever wanted to start your own business and found it’s not as easy as you...

Will or Living Will?

By: Robert S. Meyring* Attorney at Law Originally published in March 2006 edition of Smyrna-Vinings BrightSide News Occasionally, a client tells me that they want a living will. Then the client starts speaking of personal items they want to give away and the people to whom they want to give it. Then, I stop them and say, “You are talking about a will. Not a living will.” Then they ask, “What’s the difference?” And I...

Executor and Trustee

By: Robert S. Meyring* Attorney at Law Originally published in January 2007 edition of Smyrna-Vinings BrightSide News. What is the difference between an executor and a trustee as used in wills and estate planning? An executor is one who carries out the instructions and directives in the will. The executor is named in the will, chosen by the surviving family or appointed by a probate court if needed. When there is no will...

Where is Terri Schiavo?

Originally published in the July 2007 Smyrna-Vinings Bright Side News By Robert S. Meyring, Attorney at Law* In the past, I have written on the subject of the late Ms. Schiavo and how she and her family’s plight was thrust into the national spotlight. Now that we have had a couple of years since the Schiavo saga, I want to turn your attention back to the malaise that gripped the nation, the Congress and a great number of...