A power of attorney allows you to sign your rights away, to some degree. You give somebody else the opportunity to make decisions for you that they usually wouldn't have the right to make. For example, a medical power of attorney could let them decide if you're going...
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Month: May 2023
How gift taxes can influence someone’s estate plan
Individuals who have significant personal property in Virginia need to address concerns including creditor claims and taxes when thinking about their legacy. A proper estate plan can help protect assets from liquidation during probate administration and even from...
What is a POD account?
A payable-on-death (POD) account is one that you can set up at many financial institutions. When you do so, similar to buying a life insurance policy, you’ll be asked to name a beneficiary. You may also be able to name multiple beneficiaries. But you have to at least...
What is a codicil to a will, and how does one work?
A codicil modifies or adds to a previously executed will. It is a legal document you can use to make minor changes to a will, such as changing the executor, adding or removing beneficiaries or altering specific gifts. A codicil operates as an amendment to a will. You...
What you should know about your “residuary estate”
When you designate the intended beneficiaries of your assets in your will or living trust, you’ll likely include valuable assets like your home and other real estate, cars and boats, bank, retirement and investment accounts, valuable jewelry, art and collectibles. You...
Why married couples need separate wills
Many long-married couples who want to make their estate planning simple and cost-effective think the best way to do that is to have a joint will. They often picture one document developed and signed by both spouses stating their wishes for their assets – most, if not...
How far ahead of time do people need to plan for Medicaid?
Retired adults in Virginia usually expect that Medicare will largely cover their health needs later in life. It is certainly true that Medicare provides near-universal coverage for adults over retirement age in re: their basic healthcare needs. However, when...
Help! I can’t find an executor for my estate
When you set out to do your estate planning, thoughts turn to whom to appoint as executor of the estate. You may have one or more people in mind, but when you ask them to accept the appointment, they all have excuses for why they can’t do it. What could this mean?...
4 estate planning myths
One of the most important things people can do is make an estate plan. Estate planning is a complicated process, however, and people often misunderstand how it works. Because of that, you may be wrongly informed about how estate plans work. Here’s what you should...
5 key parts of an estate plan
Many people prepare for their passing far in advance by making an estate plan. An estate plan can help dictate what happens to the testator's estate after they pass away. There’s a lot to include in an estate plan. Here’s what you should know: 1. Will A will is the...