Sharon L. Michaels, Attorney

06/02/2026

Selecting the right executor requires choosing an organized, reliable individual who can manage complex administrative tasks, navigate family dynamics, and dedicate months to settling your estate. To prevent delays and legal hurdles, avoid automatically appointing co-executors, obtain the candidate's prior consent, and name an alternate or estate attorney to handle the process.

This decision can be one of the toughest parts of estate planning

05/29/2026

Facing divorce? These seven steps can help you stabilize finances and plan for the future — from taking an inventory to updating estate documents and assessing housing and retirement choices.

Separating finances after divorce

05/28/2026

Estate planning puts you in control of your assets and care—start with an inventory, update beneficiaries, and set durable powers of attorney and health‑care directives. Review regularly and consult an estate‑planning attorney for a confidential, state‑specific review.

For estate planning, take inventory, account for family needs, establish directives, review beneficiaries, note state tax laws, weigh getting help and reassess.

05/27/2026

Many parents confuse the concept of co-parenting with the legal reality of joint custody. Co-parenting is the daily teamwork required to raise your children, but joint custody is the strict court order that dictates your legal decision-making power. Do not leave your parental rights to chance. Read our guide on how family courts define these boundaries and contact our firm today.

Explore the essentials of law about co-parenting, from different types and legal requirements to how agreements can be updated. Dive into a complete guide.

05/26/2026

Did you know that outdated beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts or life insurance policies can completely override your trust? Do not let a simple paperwork mismatch misdirect your inheritance. Check out these five vital trust rules and call us to update your plan.

Seniors should review these five revocable living trust rules before June to avoid probate mistakes, tax confusion, and Medicaid surprises.

05/22/2026

Dividing a 401(k) in divorce usually requires a QDRO to transfer benefits tax‑free — QDROs, pension valuation, and beneficiary updates are technical and state‑specific; consult a divorce attorney and financial expert before agreeing to any split. https://www.investopedia.com/divorce-and-401-k-5441868

05/21/2026

Estate planning involves more than simply filling out forms or using online templates. Learn more about the role an estate planning attorney can play in helping protect your assets and long-term wishes.

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate-planning/lawyers-role/

05/20/2026

Home equity is often one of the largest assets divided during a divorce. Learn more about how courts may approach property division, home valuation, and equity distribution in divorce cases.

Home equity is usually split between the two separating parties in a divorce. Learn about your options for splitting equity, plus how local laws factor in.

05/19/2026

Your financial advisor can tell you why you need a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) to protect your wealth, but only an experienced estate planning attorney can legally build it. Read this excellent breakdown on the power of SLATs, and contact our legal team when you are ready to execute your plan.

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/wealth-management-insights/protect-assets-with-a-SLAT

05/15/2026

Inherited property is often considered separate property in divorce, but commingling assets or using marital funds can complicate matters. Understanding these rules may help protect your financial interests. Explore how inheritance is handled during divorce.

https://www.divorcenet.com/resources/inheritance-and-divorce.html