New & Notable Developments from

The Law Office of James A. Hyatt

This page of our website is designed to bring current news and information about us and about the important developments in areas that affect planning we do for our clients at The Law Office of James A. Hyatt.

Does Your Living Trust Measure Up?

Over the past 10-20 years Living Trusts have become the estate planning vehicle of choice for many people. Such revocable trusts are frequently recommended by estate planning attorneys, financial advisers and CPAs.

Living Trusts come in all shapes and sizes – there is no “one size fits all” form that can be suitable for everyone. I am often asked by advisers and their clients to review Living Trusts that have been prepared by other lawyers (or sometimes by the clients themselves with the help of software or self-help books.) Here is a checklist of things..

Read More

The Ten Costliest Estate Planning Mistakes

Based on my 35 years of assisting clients with their estate planning and cleaning up messes left behind by those who died without having properly planned for their families, I have gathered together what I consider to be the most important lessons and advice that I can share.  My hope is that by sharing this essential information, more families can be spared the difficulties that can otherwise be avoided by proper planning.

Read More

Estate Planning For Special People: What You Need To Know About Special Needs Trusts

Parents of children with disabilities and special needs face unique challenges in providing for the day-to-day needs of their loved ones.  When their thoughts turn to the issues that would arise if the parents were no longer around, the challenges become perhaps even more daunting. Consequently, estate planning for parents of special needs children requires much thought and preparation.

Read More