Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every individual must grapple with unique financial circumstances, family dynamics and long-term goals that require careful consideration. While generic or online estate planning templates may seem convenient, they...
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Month: February 2025
3 essential elements of a Totten trust
A Totten trust, often called a "poor man's trust," provides a simple and cost-effective way to transfer bank accounts or certificates of deposit to beneficiaries upon death. Unlike traditional trusts that require complex documentation, this informal trust arrangement...
Meeting with an estate planning legal team
Meeting with an estate planning legal team is an important step toward securing your financial future and working towards ensuring that your assets are ultimately distributed according to your wishes. Proper preparation can make the process more efficient and...
Who is responsible for managing probate?
Probate is a legal procedure that occurs after an individual's death. It involves proving in court that a departed person's will is valid, identifying and doing inventory of the deceased's property. It also involves assessing the property, repaying debts and taxes and...
Who will make your medical decisions if you become incapacitated?
Having to think about estate planning isn’t a pleasant topic for most people. Some individuals think more about their assets, but they forget that there’s another facet to estate planning. End-of-life planning is another important part of estate planning. This...
What should you remember about small business succession plans?
As a small business owner, you must ensure that you have a suitable business succession plan set. This is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of long-term business continuity. Without a well-structured framework for the transition, losing you may lead to...
What qualities should you look for in an estate executor?
When you’re creating your estate plan, you have to decide who will handle the administration duties after you pass away. The individual you choose is known as the estate executor. While you may be tempted to name your significant other or next of kin, that might not...
The benefits and risks of using transfer-on-death designations
Individuals establishing or updating estate plans often have specific goals they want to achieve. Keeping assets out of probate is a popular estate planning goal. People want to avoid scenarios where their loved ones can't access resources for months. They don't want...
What are the risks of delaying your will or trust?
Estate planning secures your assets and ensures your wishes come true after your passing. Many people delay creating a will or trust, often underestimating the potential complications this can bring. By understanding what a will and trust entail and the risks of...
How long do durable powers of attorney remain in effect?
Durable powers of attorney are important estate planning instruments. They help protect people from the harm that permanent incapacitation could cause. They can also protect older adults from involuntary guardianships or conservatorships where the wrong person might...