One of the biggest challenges Baby Boomers and those younger face when their last living parent or other elderly family member passes away is what to do with all of their belongings – and, more specifically, how to decide what to keep. Maybe you’re an only child, and...
What your debts could mean for your loved ones when you die
If you don't have any co-signers on your debts, you might ignore them when planning your estate. People often mistakenly assume that a debt dies when they do unless there is a co-signer. In reality, the debt remains valid regardless of whether or not you are alive to...
Creating your first estate plan? Answer these questions
Creating your first estate plan will give you peace of mind. Of course, since you’re new to the process, it can also bring stress into your life. Fortunately, when you know how to approach the estate planning process, it’s much easier to get on the right track and end...
Dying without a will is the best argument for making one now
Estate planning is an important step for an adult to take, regardless of whether they have children, a business in their name or a sibling with special needs who is dependent on them. However, most people perceive estate planning as something that primarily benefits...
Signs that you should consider adding a trust to your estate plan
Many people mentally associate using a trust in their estate plan with the ludicrously wealthy. While it is true that very rich people benefit from using a trust when they plan their legacies, middle-class and working-class Americans also benefit from trusts in...
Reasons to review and possibly modify your estate plan
Your estate plan gives you and your loved ones peace of mind, both while you’re living and after your passing. So, once you create an estate plan, you’ll feel better about anything the future could bring. But even though you have an estate plan you’re comfortable...
Avoiding mistakes in your estate plan
Most people will do anything to avoid making mistakes, especially when those mistakes have the potential to be costly or cause struggle for those they love. Unfortunately, estate planning seems to be one area where many people make mistakes, and those errors do not...
How to keep your assets out of probate
If someone in New Hampshire dies without a will, that person’s assets are distributed by a court in accordance with New Hampshire law. Many people think that by having a will they can avoid the process of having a court distribute their assets (known as “probate”),...
Estate planning for a child with special needs
Having a child who has complex medical needs or who has developmental challenges means that you need to think carefully about their future. There may come a day when they don’t have you to count on any longer. It is possible for you to plan ahead for this possibility...
Choosing the right person for your power of attorney
If you are working on your estate plan, you know that some decisions are more difficult than others. For example, choosing someone to be your health care power of attorney can be a delicate and confusing process. A power of attorney agent is someone you authorize to...
