Many parents put off their need for an estate plan. However, as a parent, it’s important to plan as soon as possible so that you and your family are protected throughout life. One of your most important decisions is the naming of a guardian. Naming a good guardian ensures that your children will always be in good hands. Take a look at the example below to better understand this important estate planning need. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to begin your estate plan, consult with … [Read more...] about The Importance of Using Your Estate Plan to Appoint a Guardian
Blog – Latest Articles and Updates
The Need to Have Open Communication as an Executor
If you’ve been appointed the executor of a loved one’s estate, you have many upcoming responsibilities. It’s important to make sure that your handle all of the affairs with care and dedication. Take a look at the information below to better understand the importance of keeping an open line of communication with beneficiaries. If you have any questions, or if you need help understanding your duties as executor, contact an estate planning attorney. As an executor, it’s your responsibility to … [Read more...] about The Need to Have Open Communication as an Executor
Estate Litigation: Who can Contest a Will?
We certainly hope that our loved ones will accept our final wishes, but unfortunately, disagreements and old hurts can make an appearance during such an emotional time. When someone is left out of a will, or feels he or she did not receive a fair share of an estate, that person may contest the will based on one or more of the following: The testator, the person who had the will created, lacked the capacity to make a will. Another person had undue influence over the testator; There was fraud … [Read more...] about Estate Litigation: Who can Contest a Will?
Is it Okay to Leave Unequal Inheritances in My Estate Plan?
As you create your estate plan, you will be forced to make decisions about how to distribute your assets after your death. Many individuals have trouble deciding how to do this. It can be especially difficult trying to decide if you want to leave unequal shares to your children. Take a look at the information below to help make this important decision. If you have any questions about choosing how to divide your assets when creating your estate plan, meet with an estate planning attorney. If … [Read more...] about Is it Okay to Leave Unequal Inheritances in My Estate Plan?
Is Joint Tenancy a Good Fit for Me?
If you’re taking a look at your asset ownership when creating your estate plan, you may be considering using joint tenancy as a way to own certain assets. This can be beneficial in many cases, but it has many pitfalls. We’ve outlined below some information on the use of joint ownership. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to discuss how joint ownership would affect your estate plan, meet with an estate planning attorney. What is joint tenancy? Joint tenancy is a form of ownership in … [Read more...] about Is Joint Tenancy a Good Fit for Me?
Do I Need to Update My Estate Planning?
Many people have taken the time to do their estate planning at some time during their lifetime. While it’s important to start your planning as soon as possible, it’s also important to stay on top of your updates. If you haven’t looked at your estate planning in several years, now is the time to review and update! An estate planning attorney can walk you throughout the review process to determine if your estate plan still meets your needs. Take a look at some of the reasons to update, below. … [Read more...] about Do I Need to Update My Estate Planning?
Is a Revocable Living Trust Worth the Money?
As we all try to stay above water in the current economy, we’re looking for ways to save money and some prospective clients have asked: “Is a revocable living trust worth the money?” Only you can decide for yourself. There is no right or wrong answer. It is more expensive to set up a revocable living trust than to create a simple will. But, what does a simple will do? Not much. At least not much when compared to a trust. Don’t get me wrong, a will is imperative. Everyone age 18 or older … [Read more...] about Is a Revocable Living Trust Worth the Money?
Why Do I Need a Health Care Power of Attorney?
Everyone age 18 or older needs a health care power of attorney. While you are able, you’ll continue to make all your own health care decisions. But, if there comes a time that you are unable to make your own health care decisions, then a trusted loved one will make those decisions for you. If you want to control who makes those decisions, you need a power of attorney for health care. Who should I name as my health care power of attorney agent? You should appoint someone who loves you, is … [Read more...] about Why Do I Need a Health Care Power of Attorney?
Incapacity Planning: What Happens If I Can’t Make My Own Financial Decisions?
Estate planning involves incapacity planning so if you can’t make your own financial decisions in the future, a loved one or professional will step in and take over that responsibility. Incapacity planning will allow you to be properly prepared in case of an emergency. You never know when you may become incapacitated through a car accident, illness, or reaction to medication. Take the time to create a proper plan so that your financial affairs are always handled by someone you trust, even if … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning: What Happens If I Can’t Make My Own Financial Decisions?
I’m Thinking of Creating a Will…How Will it Help Me?
A will is one of the most basic and important estate planning documents. If you’re just getting started with your estate planning, you may be considering implementing a will into your plan. However, you may be unsure of the benefits of a will. Take a look at the information below to learn more. If you have additional questions or if you’d like to create a will, contact an estate planning attorney. What is a will? A will is a legal document that allows you to appoint a guardian for the care … [Read more...] about I’m Thinking of Creating a Will…How Will it Help Me?
