Susan Mankamyer Estate and Real Estate Attorney

03/21/2026

02/02/2026

I see this message frequently:

“In my last half of my life on this earth, I have learned that dying is inevitable. No one can stop it. We have one life to live. The material things we invest in are left behind.”

Being emotionally and spiritually prepared are important, but is your estate prepared? We don’t know when or how, but we are certain.

07/13/2025

If you are married and your spouse’s name is not specifically listed on your Deed of title, DO NOT assume your spouse will automatically inherit the home in which he or she lives. TAKE STEPS NOW to make sure your property goes where YOU want it to go should something unexpected happen to you.

07/10/2025

PLEASE!!! Make sure that you have a Will AND that it is properly updated on a regular basis (no hand-written changes!). I have seen so many unnecessary complications recently when they could have easily been avoided!

04/03/2025

HAVE A WILL!

Shared from a friend’s post:

It will save a lot of hassle for your loved ones when you die. Not 'if', but when. After working in the life insurance industry for 44 years, I can tell you there is nothing like death to bring out the worst in people
IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE, put a beneficiary on all of your financial accounts like checking savings CDs, Life Insurance, investments etc. You don't need a will for them to get to your money, just a death certificate. And make a list, preferably by hand instead of your computer, either give it to your trusted person, spouse or put it in your security box at the bank. If the person doesn't know you have a savings account or a CD at XYZ Bank, they can never go get the money. Make sure you have a trusted person that is a signer on the security box at the bank.
🗣 IMPORTANT information to get your affairs in order‼️
💰Make sure all bank accounts have direct beneficiaries. The beneficiary need only go to the bank with your death certificate and an ID of their own.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Living Will: Allows one to put in writing exactly what you want done in the event you cannot speak for yourself when it comes to healthcare decisions as well as other final decisions.
👩🏽‍⚖️Durable Power of Attorney: Allows one to designate a person to make legal decisions if you are no longer competent to do so.
🛍Last Will and Testament: Designates to whom personal belongings will go to, who the Administrator will be. But if you have a beneficiary on any of your financial accounts, that will override a will.
For instance if you say I leave all of my possessions to my daughter Deborah, but on your savings account the beneficiary is your best friend, then the money goes to your best friend
🪦Funeral Planning Declaration: Allows one to say exactly one’s wishes as far as disposition of the body and the services.
📚 💳Make a list of all banks and account numbers, all investment institutions with account numbers, lists of credit cards, utility accounts, etc. Leave clear instructions as to how and when these things are paid.
Make sure heirs know where life insurance policies are located. 📂
📝Make 100% sure SOMEONE knows your Apple ID (if you have an Apple product), bank ID account logins and passwords! Make sure they know the passcode for your phone.
🚗 Make sure you have titles for all vehicles, campers, etc!
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!!! - Talk with those closest to you and make all your wishes KNOWN. Talk to those whom you’ve designated, as well as those close to you whom you did not designate. - Do this to explain why your decisions were made and to avoid any lingering questions or hurt feelings.
⚡️Hope this helps! ⚡️Hope this lights a spark to encourage all your friends and family to take care of these things to make it easier for those we all leave behind!
My hope is that the above list at least helps you start an important conversation with your loved ones.

03/19/2025

Do you need to update your Will?

03/05/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5zkGj3Yd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We are pleased to announce that our office hours will be extended until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays to better serve our customers.

As a walk-in business, we encourage customers to call ahead whenever possible. We are grateful for your loyalty and appreciate the opportunity to serve your needs.

02/09/2025

Explore if all wills need probate, the steps involved in probating, how to avoid probate, the role of executors, and variations in probate laws.

02/08/2025

People can avoid messy family fights by preparing a will. It needn’t be a complicated document.

02/08/2025

Most people put off making a will, but it is one of the best things you can do for your family. A will is not just about dividing your things – it's about making sure your wishes are met, and your family is looked after once you're gone. Lawyers often witness mistakes or misunderstandings about wi...

02/08/2025

So many friends and clients ask me this question...

Protect your assets and your legacy

11/08/2024

If you need assistance with helping a family member as they enter nursing home care, I would highly recommend Eileen!