People start blended families when they have children from prior relationships and marry someone who also has children. Blended families require appropriate legal preparation for the protection of everyone’s interests. Spouses sometimes negotiate prenuptial agreements...
There are a variety of different tools that people can use when they’re establishing estate plans. The right strategies can expedite the probate process, optimize what beneficiaries receive and even protect assets from creditors. Wills and trusts play an important...
A living will is one of several advance directives that people can establish as part of a comprehensive estate plan. Living wills take effect in an emergency scenario where a person may require end-of-life care. The instructions included in a living will help guide...
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...
Every testator establishing an estate plan has different needs and goals. Many people want to leave as much property as possible for their spouses and children. Those who have the blessing of grandchildren may want to provide support for that future generation of...
Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which one adult takes responsibility for another. A legal guardian has authority over the ward in their care. They can make decisions about that person's daily life and their medical treatment. A conservator, on the other hand,...
