GRAY & DUNING

​​ AMENDMENT VIII: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." Many focus on the "cruel and unusual punishments" aspect of this amendment, but no less important is the provision related to bail. Bail is money or property posted as security to obtain release from incarceration and to ensure appearance at hearings. If you don't show up, you can lose the money or the property you've posted. Federal and state l

It's human nature: we don't like to look at unpleasant things. Correction: we don't like to look at our own unpleasant things - but we'll watch a Jerry Springer marathon or break our necks looking at someone else's car accident. There is a valuable lesson to be had in both, however. There, but for the grace of God, go I. Other's misfortunes can be instructive. Plenty can go wrong if you wait to address what happens to your estate if you don't plan. A family heirloom may not

Few people think, "Hey, I want to write my will today!" It's the ugly duckling of things you should have in order. I'd wager that estate planning ranks a long third after investing and insurance. No offense, CFPs or insurance salespersons, but we don't like saving money and we don't like betting against ourselves. I'm most confident we don't like the idea of dying. There's a lot on the line, however, if you don't get your ducks in a row. Intestacy statutes (i.e., laws that