Most people do not like to think about what happens after they are gone, but ignoring it does not make the problems disappear. When there is no will, the burden often falls on the people you care about the most. It is not just about money or property, it is about...
Estate Planning
What is a trust?
When making an estate plan, you have the options to draft a will, assign a power of attorney, executor of the estate or child guardian and make plans for your future health care. That is a lot to consider. And, you may want to consider drafting one more legal document...
Updating your estate plan in the New Year
What are your New Year’s resolutions? You may want to consider updating your estate plan as one of them. It is important to update an estate plan regularly. But, why? Updating your estate plan allows you to protect your legacy and focus on life changes, such as...
Should you tell family members the contents of your estate plan?
Estate planning allows you to help ensure that your affairs are always current. Routinely reviewing and updating your estate planning lets you confirm that you agree with the instructions you have outlined for beneficiaries. You might wonder if you should loop family...
Estate planning strategies to keep your estate out of probate
Your assets do not have to go through probate - the often lengthy, costly and stressful court-supervised process of settling an estate. Avoiding it can ease the handling of your estate and reduce the risk of issues like executor misconduct or disputes among loved...
Will your estate plan impact your connection with family members?
A large part of an estate plan is about naming beneficiaries, which many people often assign to close relatives and friends. Other parts of the estate plan can include the executor of the estate, powers of attorney and child guardian. These are very important roles...
Should you discuss your estate plan with your family?
It is always a dramatic scene in a movie—loved ones are gathered around an attorney, waiting to hear the family patriarch's last will and testament. There is shock and anger as people discover they have been cut from the will, and much drama ensues. In real life, a...
Does your estate plan need to be updated?
You should be commended if you have already created your estate plan. After all, more than half of Americans have not taken the time to plan for their death or incapacitation. But if you believe that once you have created an estate plan, you can place it in a safe...
Estate planning: Stay in control with advance medical directives
Do you ever feel concerned about your medical care if you become unable to make your decisions and speak for yourself? It is a common concern for many as they approach their senior years. Advance medical directives can empower you to shape your future health care...
Incentivizing a beneficiary to keep working
Are you worried that leaving an inheritance is going to cause your beneficiary to stop working? Maybe you’re leaving them enough money that they could instantly retire. You’re happy to be able to provide this type of financial security, but you’re worried that they...