Estate Planning Comment of the Week

WEEK OF: November 12, 2006

                                                INCAPACITY OF SPOUSE

Recently, a man came to me with an unfortunate problem.  His wife was incompetent and in a nursing home.  I wanted to sell their house, but it was titled in joint tenancy between him and his wife. Since his wife could not legally sign the deed, he could not sell his house without a costly guardianship proceeding.  Could you end up in this situation? Do you own your home in joint tenancy with your spouse like this gentleman? Most people do! If so, then this could be you! At POSTIC & BATES, we can show you how to avoid this and many other unfortunate situations using careful estate planning that can make the distribution of an estate easier for you and your family.  Now IS the time to do your estate planning.  Let us help!