LeFoll & LeFoll

05/24/2023

This article wraps up our discussion on the differences between conservatorships and powers of attorney.

Our Hartford estate planning lawyers recap their series on the differences between conservatorships and powers of attorney in Connecticut. Contact us today

05/06/2023

Don the biggest, flashiest hat you can find, because it’s Kentucky Derby time 👒 What horse do you usually bet on?

🥇 The most consistent winner

👀 The impressive newcomer

🐶 The underdog

Tell us your vote in the comments with the emoji! And enjoy the race 🏇

04/25/2023

Injuries happen when we least expect them. We thought we'd share a guide so you’re prepared if or when you or someone you know takes a trip down injury lane:

🏥 Seek medical attention. Any delay in going to the emergency room or a healthcare clinic could have repercussions for your health or legal case. Discuss all injuries with your doctor, even if you think they are minor, but don’t embellish or exaggerate.
🤫 Stay “mum” about your case. The only people you should discuss your case with are your doctor and your attorney. If you need to speak with an insurance agent or opposing legal counsel, your attorney should be present.
📋 Gather information about your case. Collect medical records, police reports, witness information, and photographs that document your case. You should also write a detailed account of what happened to help you recall the events later.
⚖️ Find an attorney you trust. Your health and wellbeing are primary, but once you’ve received medical attention, you may want to consider hiring legal representation. Ask family, friends, and co-workers for recommendations so you can partner with an attorney you trust who has a proven track record with personal injury cases.

Contact us if you find yourself in this situation!

04/13/2023

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and our personal injury experts wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone to stay safe on the road.

Here are four ways to do just that, this month and all year long:

🚗 Do a final check before driving. Make sure your mirrors, seat, and bluetooth connection are set up before you hit the road–and always put your seatbelt on!

💄 Avoid multitasking. Leave snacks and makeup for another time and focus on the road.

📱 Use a safety app. There are apps available to help reduce cell phone distractions when driving, so find one you like and use it each time you drive.

🚨 Know the consequences. 49 states have bans on texting while driving, and you may face fines if caught.

Share this helpful reminder with your network ↩️ and reach out to our experts with any legal questions or needs.

03/08/2023

Ever wonder what the difference between conservatorship and guardianship is 🤔 Well, the answer is a bit difficult because it actually depends on the state!

In some states, they are two different roles, with conservatorship being over assets like land, money, and bank accounts, and guardianship being over only the person.

In other states, they are the same person, with the guardian/conservator overseeing both the individual and their assets.

Hopefully that made things clear as mud. If you have questions about guardianship specific to your state, feel free to reach out to us – we’ll always be happy to help.

03/01/2023

Getting into a car accident can be a pretty jarring experience. It’s not the time you want to be figuring out how to proceed.

While we hope you never need this information, we thought we’d share a few important tips in the event of an accident:

☑️ Do not admit fault. Don’t discuss the accident with anyone other than the police and your attorney.
☑️ Gather information. Get driver's license information, insurance policy information, license plate numbers, and names and contact information of the driver and witnesses.
☑️ Take photos. Take photos of the crash scene, the people and vehicles involved, and the license plates.
☑️ Never refuse medical treatment. You may not realize you're injured due to elevated adrenaline after a crash.

If you ever are in a car accident, know that we’re here to help you through the aftermath 💙 Do you have any other tips for what to do in the event of an accident? Share them with us in the comments ⬇️

02/22/2023

As lawyers specializing in personal injury, safety is always on our minds 🧠⚠️ So today, we wanted to share some safety-related resources as 2023 gets underway:

✅ Vehicles – In the case of a wreck, you want your car to protect you. Here’s a top safety pick list from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks

✅ Household cleaners – Want non-toxic cleaners that can get the job done? This detailed list may be helpful: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-natural-organic-cleaning-products.html

✅ Home security systems – Home break-ins aren’t 100% preventable, but a security system can help. Check out this rundown of your options: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home-security/best-home-security-systems/

✅ Motorcycle helmets – Having a good helmet could be potentially life-saving! Be sure to do thorough research on your own, but here’s a good place to start: https://billyscrashhelmets.com/safest-brand-crash-helmet/

✅ Travel accessories – If you want a bit more security when you travel, take note of this list of personal alarms, locks, and more: https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-travel-safety-products-6833148

Do you have any recommendations for safe products? Leave them down in the comments 💬

02/14/2023

Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! On this day of love, we hope you know how happy we are to have all of you in our network. Our ❤️s truly beat for our clients and colleagues.

That said, should you be feeling the LeFoll & LeFoll love, we’d so appreciate you sharing our name with anybody you think could benefit from our heartfelt service.

And as always, know that we’re here anytime you have new questions or needs.

02/12/2023

Super Bowl Sunday is finally here 🏈 This year, try out this crowd-pleasing recipe: potato skins!

Ingredients:
6 small Russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup green onions, sliced

🥔 Bake the potatoes for about an hour then cut them in half and scoop out most of the insides.

🧂 Brush with olive oil, adding salt/pepper to taste.

🥓 Bake the potatoes until crispy and then add your toppings!

Enjoy – the game and the skins, that is! – and feel free to share this recipe with your network.

02/07/2023

Did you know that slip and fall accidents account for 30% of all reported injuries?🤕 As temperatures drop, we wanted to share with you some things to keep in mind if you find yourself in a slippery situation:

🧊 An injury on property owned by another person or business is known as a premises liability case.
❄️ Retailers and business owners must legally take reasonable steps to ensure your safety.
🧊 One of the critical elements of a slip and fall case is proof that the property owner was aware of the dangerous condition and failed to correct it.
❄️ Business owners are responsible for regularly inspecting their stores and buildings to identify and correct conditions that could cause an accident.

As always, we’re here to help if you have any questions. Stay safe this winter!

02/02/2023

Happy Groundhog Day 💚 Did you know that Punxsutawney Phil gets it wrong 61% of the time? At least there’s one thing he gets right year after year – his work schedule!

What are you rooting for this year? Tell us in the comments:

❄️ More winter
🌸 Early spring

01/31/2023

As the new year begins in earnest, we thought this would be the perfect time to offer a brief “state of estate planning” address! Here are a few things to keep in mind in 2023:

🖋️ Those with a taxable estate above the lifetime exemption can expect to pay anywhere between 18-40% in estate tax in 2023. However, the good news is that the per-person lifetime exemption from estate and gift tax is expected to rise to approximately $12.92 million.

🖋️ I’ve seen more clients including real estate investments in their estates. If you're among those doing so, make sure you report the investment and pay any associated taxes to the IRS. Otherwise, beneficiaries will be subjected to tax audits.

🖋️ Strong, open family communication can be tough, but we encourage you to have these sometimes difficult conversations. It’ll be worth helping your family avoid potential legal fees down the road.

Need help this year with estate planning? We’re here–always feel free to reach out!


📖: 2023 Estate and Gift Tax Rates: What You Need to Know, The Motley Fool