Estate plans are highly personalized and must be set up based solely on the creator’s wishes. When you’re creating your estate plan, you’ll have to think about how you’re going to get your assets to your loved ones. This is sometimes challenging. One option that you...
As you make your estate plan, if you have a beneficiary with special needs, it may be wise to set up a special needs trust. This is a way to give them an inheritance. Instead of giving it to them directly, as you would with a will, you put the money into a trust and...
The main priority for many people planning their estates is to ensure the right people inherit their most valuable property and prevent their loved ones from fighting over their assets. Most people prioritize their high-value resources, including financial accounts,...
Your parents were there to protect and guide you when you were younger. However, as they age, it's natural for them to rely more heavily on others for help with their finances, health care and decision-making. Unfortunately, that increased dependence can make them...
Having an estate plan in place can provide you with peace of mind. You’ve worked hard, built a life and want to make sure everything is handled according to your wishes. The next step is discussing your estate plan with your family. It can be an uncomfortable...
Second marriages often mean blended families with children from previous relationships, along with separate assets. While remarriage can provide a fresh start personally, it also creates challenges. Without careful estate planning, many couples risk family conflict...
When young parents have a new child, they may draft an estate plan and choose a guardian for that child. If they pass away, they want to know who is going to take care of the child in their place. Choosing a guardian helps to give them a sense of security about the...
If you draft a power of attorney, you are turning over your right to make certain decisions to someone else, who is known as your agent. A very common example is a medical power of attorney. Your agent is then allowed to make medical decisions on your behalf,...
Many estate disputes are conflicts between beneficiaries revolving around sentimental items that their parents owned. These are items that the beneficiaries have an emotional connection to, but they may have little financial value. For example, perhaps their father...
If you are part of the “sandwich generation,” those raising children while also caretaking for elderly parents or other relatives, you may be frustrated with your parents dragging their feet about planning for their golden years. The following tips may make it easier...