Most recently divorced people think their ex-spouse is the last person they want to inherit their assets when they die. Additionally, they do not want that person to make life and death decisions for them. But that is exactly what can happen, and often does, when estate planning documents are not updated. Beneficiary Designations Assets…Read More
The best estate planning attorneys advise heir clients that estate plans should be reviewed every 3 to 5 years and after any major life events. All estate planning documents should be reviewed and not just the will. Estate plans the offer the most protection for an estate will include a will, a durable power of…Read More
Estate planning is important for couples in common law marriages because this type of marriage is unique and not fully understood. A common law marriage is created when a couple lives together and represents themselves as a married couple. No ceremony or licensing is required to establish a common-law marriage, although a couple may be…Read More
An updated will and testament is more important right now than ever before. The last thing anyone wants is a will that is created poorly or is not updated regularly. These wills are vulnerable to being contested or being formally objected to. A will contest can wreak havoc on both your finances and your family…Read More
It’s a common misconception that only wealthy individuals, or those with children, need an estate plan. However, everyone has belongings, a car, some own their own home. If a person passes away and they do not have a will or estate plan, the probate courts will decide who gets their belongings. Simply put, everyone needs…Read More
Estate planning is not a topic that many people want to think about but it’s an important part of your life plan. An estate plan is the best thing you can have to be sure that your family is taken care of and that the people you leave behind know your wishes. People have many…Read More
The volatile markets, along with the Covid pandemic that we find ourselves in, reminds us that we should revisit estate planning for our family. While we cannot control events and circumstances, we can create and execute plans that help us to stand firm when adverse situations and uncertain times arise. If you do not have…Read More
The biggest question regarding estate planning is this: Do I really Need a Will? The short answer is yes, everyone should have a will. People who die without a will leave behind a lengthy probate process for their families. Probate without a will is an experience unlike any other. Wills are not just for the…Read More
It is estimated that more than half of U.S. families are remarried or re-coupled. If you are in this category you should take specific steps to protect your assets and your family. Most married couples leave their entire estate to their spouse when they die. The issue for blended families is that, long after you’re gone, your…Read More
Most of us have an idea in our minds of how we would want our estate to be distributed at the time of our death. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans do not have those thoughts down on paper in the form of a will. A will is only the starting point of a well-thought-out estate plan….Read More