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...]
Why You Need Incapacity Planning as Well as Estate Planning
When you’re healthy, it’s hard to imagine being unhealthy. But it happens; in fact, if you’re in your thirties or forties, you are three times more likely to become incapacitated in any one year than to die. Incapacity refers to the inability to provide informed consent for medical decisions; it also refers to the inability to manage your finances and make day-to-day personal business decisions. Incapacity can be caused by a car accident, work accident, medicine overdose, stroke, head … [Read more...]
New Year Resolution: Review Your Estate Plan (part 1 of 2)
As the New Year looms, many folks include among their resolutions creating or updating their estate plans. What is often not appreciated are the number of issues that should be considered and addressed in one's estate plan. It’s important to take time to handle these issues so that you’re protected throughout your lifetime as well as after you die. Many people don’t take the time to fully think about their individual estate planning needs. Take a look at the information below to better … [Read more...]
Handy Estate Planning Tips for You and Your Family
We’ve put together a collection of estate planning tips for you and your family. If you’re like most people, there will be at least one thing on this list that you haven’t thought of yet. Others will serve as a gentle reminder to take action. 1. You need to name temporary guardians so that someone is authorized to care for your children in the event you are disabled (temporarily or permanently) and unable to care for them yourself. After all, your will, appointing permanent guardians, … [Read more...]
Why A Will Isn’t the Only Document You Need (part 1 of 2)
If you’re thinking about getting a will, know that it may not be your best option. A will allows you to have control over future decisions. However, you should know that it’s important to consider other planning techniques, in addition. A will is not the only planning tool that you need. Take a look at the following information, to learn more. If you have any questions, contact an estate planning attorney. You can’t plan for incapacity. Your will is only effective after you die, … [Read more...]
Do I Really Need a Trust?
We get a lot of questions about revocable living trusts and some prospective clients wonder whether they really need a trust. They say, “After all, I’m not a Warren Buffet or a Kennedy. Do I really need a trust?” Whether you need a trust (or not) depends upon your assets and your goals; mainly your goals. You do not need to be wealthy to benefit from a trust. You Need to Consider a Revocable Living Trust if you… Want to avoid probate Want to avoid court interference, through the … [Read more...]
Who Needs A Power of Attorney?
While almost anyone can create and use a power of attorney, not everyone needs to grant an agent to handle their affairs. However, you can always create a power of attorney that will take effect in the event it is needed. If you are a person in any of the following categories, you should talk to your estate planning attorney to create a power of attorney. Seniors. Aging often requires us to give others the ability to help us manage your affairs. Your estate plan should includedifferent … [Read more...]
How Does a Living Trust Help with Incapacity Planning?
For most people, the primary focus of an estate plan is the distribution of estate assets through lifetime gifting and/or after death. While that should remain a primary focus of your estate plan, you should also have an incapacity plan in place to ensure that you and your assets are protected in the event you suffer a period of incapacity. To get you started, we will explain how a living trust can help with incapacity planning. I’m Still Young – I Don’t Need to Worry about Incapacity This is … [Read more...]
Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
In today’s society, family members are often scattered throughout the country and even abroad. This phenomenon can cause much stress and worry when an elder family member who is not nearby now needs additional assistance in managing his or her affairs. The first step to long-distance caregiving is to understand your loved one's situation and needs. Schedule a visit with your relative or friend spanning several days to observe how they make decisions, solve problems and complete daily tasks, … [Read more...]
5 Questions to Ask Yourself about Your Estate Plan
As you go through life, you need to make sure that you have a valid and comprehensive estate plan in place. An estate plan will allow you to live your life with less stress, and can ensure that your affairs are in order, no matter what. Take a look at the 5 questions below to ask yourself about your estate plan. Do you have a will or trust in place? If you’re just beginning your planning, you may not have a will or trust. These are fundamental planning tools. You can appoint a … [Read more...]
