When it comes to estate planning, the number of options available can quite easily make the whole process feel overwhelming. How are you supposed to know just exactly what you need and what’s right for you, your family and your assets? Family and friends might be...
Estate Planning
What couples should know about “joint” wills
You and your spouse have decided that it’s time to do your estate planning. You’ve been married for many years, and just about everything you have is jointly owned. You want a simple will that allows you both to leave everything to the other spouse if you predecease...
Why do small business owners need an estate plan?
As a small business owner, you’ll know that the weeks, months and even years go by in a flash. There’s always something that requires your attention and you’re often wearing a number of different hats every day. Being so busy can mean that you don’t get the chance to...
Do you need a digital estate plan?
During the summer of 2022, Forbes Magazine printed an article entitled “New Estate Planning Rule: Don’t Leave an Electronic Mess.” In a nutshell, this is the key concept behind the evolving area of the law known as digital estate planning. Most Americans now spend a...
Should you choose a family member as your executor?
Creating an estate plan is the best way to ensure your wishes will be followed after you pass away. While this is true, there are some important decisions you need to make. An important part of your estate plan is selecting an executor. Many people choose a family...
Important estate plan updates you should make after remarrying
Getting married again after a divorce or the death of a spouse marks the beginning of a new stage. However, your new relationship will affect many areas of your life, including your children’s inheritance. For this reason, it’s essential that you revisit and update...
Your residuary estate may be worth more than you think
It is very easy to make big mistakes when planning your estate. One of the most common planning errors involves a failure to properly identify and value your assets. For example, you may already have created instructions for the descent of your home, your vehicle and...
Should an estate plan address sentimental items?
For much of estate planning, even though you’re dealing with very valuable assets, they don’t have much sentimental value. Your heirs will certainly be able to split up your bank account or life insurance policy, for example, but this is more of a logistical question...
New parents also need estate plans
It’s often assumed that elderly individuals need estate plans, or at least those who have recently retired and are getting their finances in order. It’s fairly natural for people to think that they don’t need to worry about estate planning until they reach that stage...
How do irrevocable trusts protect assets from creditors?
When you leave your heirs assets and property through a will, you expect them to properly manage the wealth you worked so hard to acquire and, if possible, pass it down to future generations. However, unexpected life events can come in the way of that. Picture a...