When thinking about the importance of various estate planning documents, the one that come to mind most often is the will, but a trust can also be extremely beneficial for your overall estate planning goals. While a will is a basic document that will outline who will receive your property in the event that you… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Biggest Reasons to Evaluate Your Estate Planning on a Regular Basis
Many people forget the most important and final estate planning step, which is reviewing their materials on an annual, if not other regular basis. There are several primary reasons to do this and all can be accomplished with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney. One of the most important things you can do… Read More »
Is It Time to Talk About Your Will with Your Loved Ones?
Having a conversation with your loved ones about your will may be important for minimizing the chances of an argument down the line. It’s a good idea to pull aside the relevant individuals and have this chat, but you need to approach the subject carefully. When a parent passes away without having this conversation, his… Read More »
Make Sure You Have the Conversation with Your Spouse as Well as Your Aging Parents About Long Term Care and Estate Planning
Summer might seem like the wrong time to have a serious conversation about money and estate planning issues, but it could also be the most relaxed opportunity you have to discuss this with your parents. Fidelity has just released a study on the topic of finance and family, identifying that the major retirement issues for… Read More »
What Are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative?
Naming a personal representative is something that all individuals should consider, despite the fact that no two estate plans are exactly the same. Every individual’s estate has its own set of circumstances and facts. The assets within each estate will be different as well as the individuals who may ultimately receive those assets. There are… Read More »
Five Important Steps to Take Before Getting Married
Before walking down the aisle and saying I do, there are several different steps you can take to set yourself off on the right foot in your new marriage. These five tips are essential for the engaged. Put Together a Budget A budget is essential especially if you are combining finances and living together for… Read More »
Are You Making the Number One Estate Planning Mistake?
If you’ve done your due diligence to set up a meeting with an estate planning attorney, this is an important first step towards protecting your future. That being said, too many individuals fail to also keep their beneficiaries updated on a regular basis. Many different assets allow beneficiary designations such as pensions, life insurance, bank… Read More »
Most Common Tools Used in the Estate Planning Process
If you are finally ready to accomplish your estate planning but you are not sure what strategies or tools you need to help you, there are several common instruments that may be beneficial depending on your individual needs. These include a will, a living trust, a pre-nuptial agreement, a healthcare proxy, a living will, a… Read More »
Are You Making the Number One Estate Planning Mistake?
If you’ve done your due diligence to set up a meeting with an estate planning attorney, this is an important first step towards protecting your future. That being said, too many individuals fail to also keep their beneficiaries updated on a regular basis. Many different assets allow beneficiary designations such as pensions, life insurance, bank… Read More »
What You Should Know About Charitable Trusts
If you are intending to leave assets behind to a charity, you should consider working directly with an experienced estate planning attorney to help make sure your gifting is done in the way you want. For example, charitable contributions to a trust allow you to pass on assets to a charity but also have significant… Read More »