An estate plan has a sense of finality to it. After all, many of the documents that make up an estate plan only have authority after someone dies. It is, therefore, common for people to feel a sense of stability about their own situation and peace of mind about the...
Estate Planning & Probate
What are some benefits of using a trust?
Crafting a will is one way to leave assets to your heirs, but it is not the only one. A trust is another example of a legal tool that you could utilize for this purpose. Essentially, it is an account that holds the assets and you name a trustee to distribute them....
Do I need an estate plan?
Maybe you’re young and healthy, or maybe you’re hale and hearty – but, either way, you haven’t given much thought to estate planning. Maybe you figure that you have plenty of years left, or maybe you figure that you don’t have any real assets worth fighting about – or...
3 mistakes to avoid during probate
Losing a loved one is hard. However, if you have been appointed as the personal representative of their estate, you need to stay strong enough to handle the probate process effectively. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming emotions, you may make mistakes. This guide...
What are the benefits of creating a will and estate plan?
Many of the tasks that you are supposed to accomplish as an adult are frankly unpleasant. Estate planning certainly seems unpleasant to the average individual. You don't want to think about what might happen if you die or how miserable life could be if you have...
4 common questions about estate planning
Estate plans are complex legal documents that detail the final wishes of the testator. Without an estate plan, a death in a family could cause great difficulty for the rest of the family. Despite that, many people put off making estate plans because they have...
What is the advantage of a POD account?
If you have certain types of financial accounts, you may be able to turn them into accounts that are payable on death. These are often called POD accounts. You can also open accounts with this designation from the very beginning, but you don’t necessarily have to do...
3 kinds of taxes that can affect the estate you leave behind
If you have had a successful career or if you inherited property from your parents, you may be in a good position to leave valuable resources for the next generation. Estate planning requires not just acknowledgment of your relationships to determine who should...
Have you been named the personal representative of a will?
When you create a will, you should appoint someone to carry out its mandate. If you don’t, the probate court will appoint someone to act as the personal representative or executor of the estate. Being chosen as the personal representative or executor of an estate is a...
2 estate planning questions for new parents
As a new parent, you have a lot of things to think about, especially when it comes to providing for your baby. Many new parents focus on the basics, such as making sure the baby is eating and healthy. While it’s not a pleasant thought, you should add creating an...