Is Having a Will Enough?
If you have a will you’ve already taken a step that half of all Americans have neglected. However simple it may be for protecting your assets and heirs, there are additional steps you should take in order to ensure a more comprehensive estate plan – such as living trusts, powers of attorney for finances and […]
What Are The Components of an Estate Plan?
What is an Estate Plan? The dictionary definition of an estate plan is “the arranging for the disposition and management of one’s estate at death through the use of wills, trusts, insurance policies, and other devices.” All adults should have a plan for their estates, and as we age the importance of estate planning increases. […]
The Four (or Five) Documents Everyone Needs In Their Estate Plan
Everyone has different estate planning needs; however, all estate plans should have the same, basic documents. A Will. The crux of any estate plan, a will distributes your assets to the persons you want to receive your property when you die. In addition, a will names an executor to manage your estate, and can appoint a […]
COVID-19 Highlights The Need for Revocable/Living Trusts
Revocable Trusts, also known as Living Trusts, are being used with greater frequency in estate planning because they offer families immediate access to money and assets without having to wait for a loved one’s Will to be admitted to probate. In a typical Revocable Trust, the creator of the trust (i.e., the grantor) is also […]
Property You Should Not Include in Your Will
There are many types of property that should not be included in your will, property that you may not realize is, or should automatically be earmarked for distribution upon your death. Jointly held property: A house or a bank account that is in joint names with another person will pass to the survivor automatically upon […]
Planning Your Estate After (or even before) a Divorce
Divorce presents many difficult issues and decisions, and there is one more set of tasks to add to your “to do” list. You need to address your will and estate plan. It could be the will and planning documents buried deep in a filing cabinet that you and your current or soon to be ex-spouse […]