Law Office of Regine D. Pointdujour, PLLC

Buying a house is a business transaction as much as it is an emotional decision. In the excitement of starting life in your new home, don't forget to sit down and read the agreements you're being asked to sign, and don't be afraid to negotiate. People are often surprised at how much money they can save simply by asking the seller to tweak the terms. #ReginePointdujour

If some or all of your children live across states lines or abroad, your estate distribution strategy will have to take more red tape into account. It's a good idea to make sure you know the estate tax and other relevant laws that will apply to your estate so that you can take the most effective approach. #ReginePointdujour

Many married couples set up what is referred to as a 'sweetheart will' in which spouses leave everything to the other spouse, and then at the death of the second spouse, to children, or other beneficiaries. While this seems nice in theory, it may complicate things for the surviving spouse or children down the line. It is usually recommended for each spouse to have a separate will. #ReginePointdujour

Setting up a trust for your loved ones usually means granting a third person - a trustee - authority over all or some of your assets. Sometimes, a trustee is a professional, but often it is a member of the family. Who do you trust with your family's financial future? #ReginePointdujour

If you're aprehensive about giving your child up for adoption, an open adoption may allow you to take charge of you and your child's future. In an open adoption, biological and adoptive parents can have different amounts of access to each other's information, and children get to be raised in the stable home of their adoptive parents while having the comfort of being aquainted with their biological parents. #ReginePointdujour

If you've decided to make a career pivot, make sure you cut ties with your previous business without leaving loose ends. Contact a professional who can help you dissolve your company properly and settle all outstanding debts. #ReginePointdujour