We are open for Article & Interview Submissions

We are open for article submission for our newsletter on the following topics: 

• Tips on how to assist a loved one through the grieving process
• Inspirational stories on recovering after the loss of a loved one
• Inspirational stories on living your best life
• Featured stories on inspirational adventures
• Featured stories on individuals and organizations that are making a difference in the grief recovery field
• How to articles on planning for a future without you (i.e. Life Insurance, Estate Planning, and Funeral Planning)

We are also looking for authors to be interviewed as part of our Virtual Book Tour.

 If you are an author of one of the following types of books, please contact us to be included in our 2010 Virtual Book Tour:

•  Recovering from the loss of a loved one (child, spouse, sibling, significant other, parent, grandparent, friend, and pet)
• Inspirational stories on recovering from the loss of a loved one
• Inspirational books on living your best life

 We are looking for the following types of professionals to interview as part of our Planning for a Life Without You™ series:

• Funeral Planner/Director
• Estate Planning Attorneys
• Life Insurance Providers

 Have an idea for an article? Want to be interviewed?  We would love to hear from you.

 Please submit your idea or article to us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com

The Importance of Having a Will

As part of our series on Planning For A Life Without You, we conducted the following interview with Michael Murphy, ESQ, to give our readers an overview on the importance of having  a will. 

1. What are the most important reasons for writing a Will?

   A.  To insure assets are left to the people you want to inherit them
   B.  To be sure that the person in charge of your estate is the person you want
   C.  To insure someone is named to take care of young children if both spouses die
   D.   To be sure you use any tax avoidance benefits available 

2.  Do I need a Will if I don’t own a home or have children?    

      Yes, for all of the above reasons. 

3.  What happens if I don’t have a Will? 

Anyone even creditors can apply to manage your estate; assets go as directed by State law instead of as directed by you and any tax avoidance opportunities may be lost. 

4.  How often should I update my Will?

Whenever there is a significant change in wealth status, any change in marital status, the arrival of children or every 5-10  years whichever occurs first. 

5.  What are the most important facts to consider when writing a Will?

   A. Consider ways to avoid probate costs
   B. Consider ways to avoid  tax consequences
   C.  Select people to be in charge of children and/or your estate who are responsible and suitable to carry out your wishes

6.  What are benefits of using an attorney as opposed to writing your own Will?           

An Attorney will know costs and taxes that can be avoided if the Will is structured properly and will be familiar with issues relevant to your state and your courts.  An Attorney will see to it that your Will is executed properly.  If your Will is not executed properly it can be invalidated.

7.  What are most important things to look for in hiring an Attorney to write your Will?  

You should consider the length of time the Attorney has been in the practice of law and the percentage of time devoted to Wills and probate matters. The more time the better, preferably more than 50%.  

The above information was provided by Michael A. Murphy, Esq.  He and his wife Ann practice law in Fairfax County, Virginia.  Tel # 703-455-7177.  Both graduated from Georgetown University Law School.  Ann has been in practice almost 27 years.  Mike has been in practice over 35 years.  Both devote the majority of their practice to Wills, Trusts and Probate matters.   

Planning For A Future Without You

When a friend or family member dies, it seems to be the first thing on our minds – What is my plan in case something happens to me?   As a few days pass by, the thought seems to escape us and we go back to living our lives.   

Planning for your death may be one of the most difficult tasks you will ever have to complete, but it is one of the most important gifts you can give to your family. 

Over the next few months we will be providing resources on Planning For A Future Without You.  We will be exploring the following topics with experts in their fields: 

1. Life Insurance
2. Estate Planning
3. Wills & Trusts
4. Advance Medical Directives & Living Wills
5. Funeral Planning

 Please let us know if you have any specific questions you would like addressed as we explore these topics.  If you are an expert in these fields, please feel free to email us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com and you may be chosen as one of our experts to interview.   

Please watch our blogs for updates.