Estate Planning

When it comes to passing someone’s assets on after they die, states already have laws on the books for how this should be done. These laws can allocate those assets to a surviving spouse, the person’s children, their parents, their siblings and other relatives. If...

Creating an estate plan is important for all adults. This plan outlines what they want to happen if they become incapacitated, but it also includes how their assets should be handled when they pass away. One thing that some people don’t realize is that part of...

Procrastination is part of human nature. People put off activities that seem unpleasant or demanding. In some cases, individuals do themselves and their loved ones a real disservice by procrastinating on key issues. For example, many people with valuable property or...

Recently we discussed various ways to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. Let’s look at one method in detail. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is an estate planning tool that allows individuals to support charitable organizations while also...

After naming a guardian for their minor child, some parents change their choice before the first-named party assumes their duties. Different reasons can contribute to this decision.  Here are three of them: 1. Guardian no longer wants to do it Your chosen guardian may...

Financial stability is one of the recommended qualities to consider when naming a guardian for a minor child. But why does it matter if your chosen guardian is financially stable if you will leave money for your child's needs? Here is why: Unexpected costs  Raising a...

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...

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...

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...

Many people invest in life insurance without establishing estate plans. There are also plenty of people who plan their estates without acquiring life insurance. These two forms of personal protection tend to dovetail nicely with one another. Technically, life...