The probate process helps protect the legacy of deceased individuals and the interests of their surviving family members. The courts can validate the authenticity and legality of estate planning paperwork. They can facilitate the administration of an estate that does...
There are many reasons that people feel comfortable procrastinating about estate planning. Sometimes, they simply feel confident that their loved ones already understand their wishes. Other times, they assume that they have many years of health ahead of them before...
Making the effort to establish an estate plan is a smart decision. People who draft wills or fund trusts can help ensure that their assets pass to specific beneficiaries in accordance with their wishes. The focus during the estate planning process is often on major...
Estate planning is about leaving a positive legacy. It also requires careful consideration of the needs of dependent family members. Testators drafting or updating their estate plans may need to designate people to hold positions of authority, clarify who inherits...
The process of high-asset estate planning often conjures images of complex trusts, tax shelters and sophisticated financial instruments designed to preserve wealth across generations. Yet, in today's environmentally conscious world, wealthy individuals and families in...
People tend to address the most pressing issues when they establish an estate plan. They have to plainly state who they want to receive assets from their estate and what resources they should inherit. They create plans to address their medical vulnerability as they...
When people think about estate planning, they often focus on physical assets like homes, bank accounts and retirement funds. However, it is increasingly likely that a person’s online presence and digital assets are potentially as consequential as their physical...
Some estate planning documents, such as wills, only have legal authority after the testator who drafted them dies. Other documents serve to provide legal protection for those facing medical challenges or incapacitation. An advance medical directive takes effect while...
The loss of a spouse is an emotionally challenging time. Naturally, the thought of estate planning in the wake of such loss, can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to acknowledge that estate planning is a vital step to help ensure the security and well-being of...
Estate planning is something that all adults need to handle, but it’s often put off because it’s not really a pleasant task. One of the biggest errors you can make is avoiding estate planning because that takes away your chance to make your wishes known and can make...
