It could be argued that virtually everyone in the United States will eventually need an estate plan. It can be a useful tool for one’s family in many ways, helping them distribute assets, make medical decisions and otherwise cope with the incapacitation or death of...
Estate Planning
How to pick someone to administer your estate
Of all the decisions you have to make when you’re putting your estate plans, together, one of the most significant may be deciding who should be your executor. This is the person who has to make certain that your estate is managed properly, in accordance with both the...
3 expenses that can drastically reduce someone’s legacy
Someone who invests the time and energy to create a thorough estate plan often wants to provide a specific standard of living for their loved ones after their death and/or leave a legacy that influences how people view them posthumously. Usually, having the biggest...
Most adults need to plan for future medical emergencies
The estate planning strategies employed by many individuals are often far too simplistic to meet their needs. Not only do a large number of people procrastinate about estate planning, but they may do only the bare minimum by designating beneficiaries for their biggest...
Understanding the role of testamentary trusts
If you’re just beginning to think about putting your estate plan in place, you’re likely coming across a lot of unfamiliar terms. One is probably “testamentary trust.” These trusts can be set up for a number of different purposes. People often use them to provide for...
4 questions to ask before you draft your estate plan
One of the many things people do before they die is make an estate plan. An estate plan can help decide what happens with your assets after you’re gone. Most people aren't very familiar with the process, so it's natural to have a number of questions. Here are some of...
3 ways to protect young children with an estate plan
Having a child is one of the most powerful motivators that inspire adults to finally sit down and create an estate plan. Parents worry about what might become of their children if anything were to happen to them and want to better ensure their safety. Even those who...
Can you address everything about your estate in a simple will?
Wills are powerful estate planning documents. They allow you to distribute your assets as you see fit and ensure your final wishes are legally binding. However, a will is probably not ideal for all your estate assets and might not fully protect all your heirs and...
3 misunderstandings about estate planning
Estate planning is a complicated process that the average person can easily get confused about. While there’s a lot of information online about estate planning, some of it may not be factually correct. To ensure you’re going in the right direction, you should consider...
Once you have a will, you need to choose an estate executor
A will and other estate planning documents can protect your property and ensure your loved ones receive a fair share of the assets you leave behind. Having an estate plan is wise, and so is choosing the ideal candidate to serve as your estate executor. The person you...