If you have yet to create an estate plan, you likely have an explanation for why that is so. You may feel you don’t need one yet, either because you have yet to amass a sizeable fortune or because you have yet to settle down and start a family. The truth, however, is that every adult can benefit from estate planning. To help you better understand the importance of estate planning, a Roseville estate planning attorney at the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law explains … [Read more...]
Should I Include Life Insurance In My Estate Plan?
Whether or not to include life insurance in an estate plan is one of the most commonly asked questions. As with all estate planning questions, the answer is unique to each individual; however, there are some things you should take into account when considering the addition of life insurance in your estate plan. Your age and health. Life insurance is less expensive to purchase when you are younger and healthy, meaning you should be able to lock in the best rates. This is also when most people … [Read more...]
If I Move, Should I Review My Estate Plan?
The general guidance among experienced and qualified estate planning attorneys is that you should review your estate plan every few years. However, if certain events such as a move occur, you need to review your estate plan at that time. Move to a new state When you move to a new state, it is in your best interests to consult with an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney in your new locale. Laws vary from state to state so the legal documents of your estate plan should be … [Read more...]
Beneficiary Designations and Other Non-Probate Transfers
Many of us are surprised that our assets may not go to those named in our Will. However, if you have assets controlled by beneficiary designations or other non-probate transfers, that’s the case. Read on to learn how a Will might not control all your assets. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...]
The SECURE Act and What It Means for You
The SECURE Act passed in late December. The SECURE Act changes some lifetime rules, but the biggest change concerns rules for beneficiaries. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...]
Does Your Power of Attorney Allow Gifts to Be Made?
A Power of Attorney is among the most commonly used of all estate planning documents. As such, there is a very good chance that you will execute, and/or be named as an Agent in, a Power of Attorney at some point. If so, it is imperative that you understand how the Agent’s ability to make gifts is treated in the document. To help you better understand, we will discuss the ability to make gifts in a Power of Attorney. What Is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney, or POA, is a legal document … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Conference Discusses SECURE Act and More
The Heckerling conference, the largest conference for Estate Planning in the country, occurred last week in Orlando, FL. Many of the thought leaders in Estate Planning and Elder Law got together and discussed recent developments and new strategies. The SECURE Act was the biggest topic this time. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...]
Is a Geriatric Care Manager Right for You?
If you are acting as a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you will undoubtedly feel overwhelmed at some point (if not on a regular basis!) One thing that may be able to help is contacting a geriatric care manager. We hope this report will help you decide if a geriatric care manager is right for you. Caregiving by the Numbers For a caregiver, it often feels as though they are the only person in the world going through the trials and tribulations of providing care to an elderly loved one. … [Read more...]
Estate Planning vs. Legacy Planning
If you have spent a lifetime building up what you consider to be your legacy for future generations, be sure to protect it by creating a thorough legacy plan. Although the wealth you have accumulated during your lifetime is certainly part of your legacy, your legacy may also include the ideals and principles that you have lived by during your lifetime. These are the things that make up your legacy and need to be reflected in your legacy plan. Think of a legacy plan as a continuation of your … [Read more...]
Estate Planning: It’s Not Just all About Death
Some folks want to avoid estate planning because they associate it with death. However, estate planning is NOT just about death. In fact, good estate planning is focused on life, including retirement planning, college planning, gifting programs, charitable planning, asset ownership, asset protection, disability protection, and tax strategies. An experienced and qualified estate planning attorney can design a comprehensive estate plan that protects you and your family, while you’re alive … [Read more...]
