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
Trusts are created to give legal protection for a person’s assets, to make sure those assets are distributed according to that person’s wishes and to save time, and in some cases avoid or reduce inheritance or estate taxes. Trusts Defined A trust is a separate legal entity a person sets up to manage his assets. Trusts…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
Typically, when a person dies with a will, they have an executor who was named in the will. This person is responsible for being sure that the deceased’s money and property is given to the right people and the debts are paid. Once a person passes away, the executor should file the will in court…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
Are you trying to help an aging parent with their finances, or with their wills? Or, do you want to make sure your parent’s wishes will be honored should they become incapacitated? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you need a Power of Attorney document. There are a few different categories…Read More
The probate process is a court-supervised process of authenticating the last will of a deceased person. The process is required to pay the final bills and distribute the decedent’s estate. If there is no will, the probate process looks similar to an extent, but there are significant differences there too. Also, the probate process varies…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
