As families get more complex, so does the estate planning. Since most families have some sort of mix of children and stepchildren now, how do you ensure that your mixed family does not end up fighting over inheritance after you are gone? Here are some things to do to prevent family conflict during an emotional [...]
If you have been named the executor of the estate of a loved one you may be wondering what responsibilities may fall to you should your loved one pass. Here are some of the things to expect if you are appointed the executor of a will. First: Take Your Time There is no hurry in [...]
While we have stated over and over again how important a will is to protect you and your assets, one thing that bears mentioning is the fact that a will can protect your loved ones as well. Not having a will can cause many legal problems for your surviving loved ones. Guardianship of Dependents Do [...]
Estate planning is something that can be hard to think about. Once you have done it, it can be tempting to just let the plan ride and not think about it again. As time passes though, things in your situation might change that will require you to update your plan. Here are some questions you [...]
Setting up a will to have your or your loved one’s estate distributed to your heirs is the best way to ensure that possessions are left to the people that you or your loved one wants to have them. Just what constitutes an estate, and when will an estate need to be probated in order [...]
When someone we care about passes away, the last thing a family wants is a lawsuit over assets. Unfortunately this can be a very real event, even with a will in place. Here are some tips to avoid estate lawsuits. Treat Relatives Equally When it comes to children and grandchildren, it is often the best [...]
When you are gone, you want your estate to provide for families and charities that you cared about. Part of estate planning is deciding what you want to give now as well as after you are gone. Benefits of Giving Now Giving now may help in reducing the tax burden on your estate once you [...]
While you might think that trusts are only for people that have quite sizeable estates, that is not the case. As a matter off act, the National Association of Financial and Estate Planning recommends trusts for estates with a wide variety of assets. Trust Costs The maintenance cost for a basic trust can vary. Generally [...]
People love their pets. For most people, pets are considered family members. We care for them like they are our children, and we mourn for them when they are no longer with us. You would think folks who love their pets so much would not even consider leaving them out of their estate plan, but [...]