A Review Of Estate Planning Rights After The Supreme Courts Rulling On Same Sex Marriages
Now that the United States Supreme Court has deemed the refusal of states to allow same sex marriages unconstitutional, same sex couples in all fifty states may now marry, divorce and establish estate plans as spouses. This is a good time to review the rights of married couples with respect to estate planning and the steps that couples should consider taking to ensure that their wishes are carried out properly.
In Ohio, surviving spouses have certain statutory rights to the deceased spouse’s probate estate. In essence, you can’t completely disinherit a spouse. Under Ohio law, a surviving spouse receives a number of benefits, including, but not limited to, a family allowance of the first $40,000 of the estate, the first two automobiles not specifically bequeathed, the right to live in the marital residence rent free for a year, the right to take against the will, etc. Spouses also have certain property rights in divorces, such as the right to share in marital property and possibly spousal support. However, many of these rights … Read More... “Estate Planning: Same Sex Relationship Estate Planning”
Memorial Day, Labor Day and 4th of July are holidays that celebrate different aspects of American culture. Memorial Day honors those who fought to defend our principles and ideals, Labor Day honors our work ethic, and 4th of July honors our fight for independence. We don’t consider them “big holidays.” They are, for most of us, times to be outdoors, watch some fireworks, and eat lots of good food. They also give us an extended weekend.
Generally speaking, we as a society tend to be of the mindset that if you decide to have a child, then you should be the one to take care of it…period. In reality, however, the issue is not so cut and dry. Different circumstances and factors come into play which, in the end, can alter who ultimately provides for a child. Take, for example, adoption. While the adoptive parent is not the natural, he or she ultimately chooses to become the child’s caregiver and supporter. What should happen though, in a case where a person is not the biological parent and does not necessarily choose to be financially responsible for a child, as is often the case with step-parents? When a person with children from a previous relationship remarries, should the new step-parent be on the hook for child support even when their new spouse is not the primary caregiver?
About 20 percent of women don’t have children, a rate twice as high as the 1970s according to the Pew Research Center. For some, the decision is due to life circumstances or medical problems. For about 10 percent of women, it is a purposeful choice reflective of their values, lifestyles and interests.
A few months ago when I read the novel The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, I had no idea that it would include a sentiment that was so wise that I would be inspired to share it. The main character in the book is struggling with a decision that will impact her for the rest of her life. “Choose the regret you can most live with” is the powerful advice she receives.
In the past, we’ve written multiple articles relating to social media. I have linked to some of them at the end of this article. Now, I would like to focus on an issue that may evolve during a marriage and can expand exponentially after a divorce; social media disputes between couples. This type of ugly dispute has led many in the legal world to conclude that some couples need a “social media clause” in their prenuptial agreement (s).
Narcissism is defined as a personality disorder that goes beyond mere selfishness and vanity. It is a prevalent cause of marital and family problems. Narcissists do not have the capacity to love, understand other persons’ emotions, or feel empathy toward others. They are grandiose in their need for praise and attention; they overestimate their abilities; and, they diminish persons around them with emotional abuse.