Buying a home changes the composition of your estate. A will, trust or beneficiary designation written before the purchase may not account for the new property. Reviewing these documents soon after closing helps protect the home and the people intended to benefit from...
Naming beneficiaries is an important part of an estate plan. But what happens if someone you named dies before you? The answer may depend on your will or trust, the type of asset involved and your relationship with the deceased beneficiary. Your estate plan may...
Cryptocurrency has become an important part of many investment portfolios. Yet many owners focus on buying, selling or holding coins without considering what happens in the event of death or incapacity. Unlike traditional financial accounts, cryptocurrencies often...
One thing that significantly increases the odds of a dispute between family members after a parent passes away is if that parent did not have an estate plan. This can lead to numerous conflicts and disputes between surviving family members and beneficiaries. The...
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...