An advance health care directive or living will is one of the documents you should draft when estate planning. With this document, you can state your medical care wishes to be observed in the event of incapacitation. Below are five issues that you’ll want to address...
Year: 2024
2 categories of trusts you should understand
Creating an estate plan is filled with major decisions that can impact your life and the way you’re able to care for your loved ones after you pass away. While you may think about leaving things to your beneficiaries through a will, there’s another option to consider....
4 responsibilities of the executor of the estate
A testator can name someone close to them to settle their estate. This person is called the executor of the estate. If you were named an executor, it can help to create a checklist to help ensure your duties as an executor are fulfilled. Here are a few things to add...
Does a DNR order do enough?
Some people do not want life-saving medical care in certain situations. They would not like to be resuscitated if they stop breathing, for example, or if their heart stops beating. There are many reasons why people choose this, from personal religious reasons to...
Why California’s next-of-kin law may not protect your interests
No one wants to think about the possibility of being critically injured or seriously ill and being in a hospital in a coma or otherwise unable to communicate with their medical providers. If that were to happen, however, most people would want a trusted family member...
Young adults can benefit from estate planning
Many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for the elderly or those with life-threatening conditions. However, adults of all ages can benefit from making an estate plan, including young adults. While it isn’t something that most people like to think...
Is creating a digital estate plan worth the effort?
If you are like most American adults, your digital assets, including social media accounts, digital photos and videos, online banking and investment accounts, email accounts and material stored in the Cloud, likely play important roles in your daily life. Have you...
4 reasons why you should have a power of attorney
When making your estate plan, designating someone with power of attorney authority is a crucial decision that can result in numerous benefits. Imagine a scenario where you become incapacitated due to illness or injury, rendering you unable to make important financial,...
Could your will be outdated?
If you have a will, then you are already ahead of most Americans. The majority of adults in the U.S. have yet to address their estate plan. Nonetheless, a will is something that needs to reflect your current needs and wishes. Over the course of even a year, many...
When does a power of attorney go into effect?
A power of attorney is a legal document that you can add to your estate plan to give someone else the ability to make decisions for you. For instance, you are generally the only one who can access your financial accounts. But you can use a power of attorney to give...