What Happens to Your Debt When You Die?
Written by: Michele Procino-Wells, Esq. Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC serves the Eastern Shore from their offices in Seaford & Lewes, DE & Berlin, MD
On a regular basis someone asks me, “If I die and have debt, who will be responsible for paying back those I owe?”
When a person dies, a new entity emerges, called our estate. Your “estate” represents your assets and your liabilities. Upon death, the “probate” process (the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate), will resolve your debts and distribute your remaining assets to your heirs.
Creditors may legally claim assets within your estate...
Beware of False Social Security or Medicare Advertisements
Contributed by: Carol Kellam, Social Security District Manager in Salisbury, MD
Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely know who they are.
The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-government businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t claim that...
Snack Mix Recipe
On a recent evening, our team was together for a dual baby shower. That’s right- the PWW team is growing by four feet this fall! Part of the festivities included delicious snacks, but one snack in particular caught everyone’s attention: The Ranch Snack Mix. We hope your family might enjoy this treat over the weekend while everyone recharges from the first week back to fall routines.
Ranch Snack Mix Erin Dukes, Estate Planning & Administration Coordinator
¾ cup vegetable oil 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix 1 9oz. package oyster crackers 1 11.5 oz. box reduced fat Cheez-its 8 oz....
You Can Never Really Predict Where We'll Go Next
Contributed by: Erin A. Dukes, Estate Planning & Administration Coordinator. Written in 2016 and still true today.
Dedicating several years of your career to one company is quite the feat in today’s society. I’ve been with Procino-Wells & Woodland, LLC for ten years now, and as I celebrate this milestone, I find myself reflecting back on how different things look here today than they did all those years ago. Michele hired me straight out of college. I wore a suit to my interview and anticipated being greeted by a stuffy attorney who would likely be condescending towards someone so young...
Midyear Tax Planning Ideas for Individuals
The summer months are a good time to consider some ideas that will help cut your tax bill for the current year and minimize future taxes.
Gift Taxable Investments vs. Cash
Are you feeling generous? As you review your investment accounts for winners and losers, consider the optimal type of gifts to give your favorite relatives and/or charities.
Gifts to relatives. Instead of making cash gifts, give your loved ones taxable investments that have appreciated in value. If your relatives are in lower federal tax brackets, they’ll pay lower tax rates than you’d pay if you sold the same shares.
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