Creating a comprehensive estate plan is one of the most important things you will do during your lifetime. When done properly, your estate plan will ensure that your loved ones are well provided for in the event of your untimely death as well as distribute your assets pursuant to your wishes. If not executed properly, it can wreak havoc with your finances and fail to provide the protection for your loved ones that it was intended to do. Given the importance of your estate plan, the first step in … [Read more...] about Choosing an Estate Planning Attorney

Many people choose to put off estate planning because they feel it is not a necessity until a later time in life.  The truth is, everyone needs to have an estate plan in place.  This will help to prepare for the unexpected.  Below are five key of the benefits of having an estate plan.  To commence your planning, schedule a meeting with an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney today. Give you and your family peace of mind. With a plan in place, you and your family members will … [Read more...] about What are the Benefits of Estate Planning?

Under ideal circumstances, you will know well ahead of time if someone plans to nominate you to be the executor in a Last Will and Testament. Of course we all know that life doesn't always present us with ideal circumstances. If you have recently been notified that someone died and nominated you to be the executor of the estate in his or her Will, you may be wondering what to do next. To begin with, you need to know that you are not required to accept the position of executor. You are free to … [Read more...] about So You’ve Been Named the Executor of A Will. Now What?

  So, you’ve been putting off the need to plan, right? Were you hoping to plan later in life, so that you could focus on what today has to offer?  While your life may currently be busy and exciting, you need to take the time to make difficult decisions, so that you have control over your future affairs.   If you neglect the need to plan, you will have no control. Many people seem to think that estate planning is an option; however, if you care about anyone or you want to stay in … [Read more...] about Estate Planning is a Necessity

In the modern digital age, almost any form can be located easily with just a few clicks of a mouse. Legal forms and kits are among the forms that can now be accessed rapidly and easily on the Internet. While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by using a do-it-yourself legal form, the ultimate cost could be much greater than the dollars you initially saved. It seems as though there is a legal form required for almost anything you do. From getting married to starting a business to estate … [Read more...] about Beware of Do-It-Yourself Legal Forms

Bet you never thought to compare your estate planning attorney to your eye doctor.  But the experience is similar.  Both your estate planning attorney and your eye doctor ask you questions to determine the right prescription for you.  “Do you like it this way or that way?”  “Which is clearer number 3 or number 4?”  This is customized analysis, necessary to determine your prescription for both estate planning and glasses.  In fact, sometimes the estate planning attorney determines that you don’t … [Read more...] about How Your Estate Planning Attorney is Similar to Your Eye Doctor

A successful estate plan is an estate plan that works.  An estate plan works if it does what you want it to do.  The 3 keys to a successful estate plan are communication with loved ones, updating on a regular basis, and consultation with a qualified and experienced estate planning attorney.  If you have all 3 keys, the door opens to a successful plan and your investment of time, effort, and money will be worth it.   Importantly, your wishes will be honored.  In other words, your estate plan will … [Read more...] about The Keys to a Successful Estate Plan

Your estate plan must be in writing to be legally valid; conversations with your spouse or other family members are not enough.  Without written directions and authorization, family discord and upset may result and your wishes may not be followed. Don’t Want to be Hooked to Life Support Machines, Put it in Writing in an Advance Health Care Directive For example, Terri Schiavo, the Florida woman kept on life support for 15 years, had reportedly told her husband that she didn’t want to be … [Read more...] about Your Estate Plan: Get It Into a Writing or Else

When you create your estate plan, you’re taking the time to make sure that your assets are given to the right people.  By naming beneficiaries, you’re in control over how your assets will be distributed after your death.  Unfortunately, your assets may not be able to be given to your first choice beneficiaries.  Take a look at some of the information below to better understand the importance of naming alternate beneficiaries.  If you have any questions, or if you need help creating your estate … [Read more...] about Naming Alternate Beneficiaries in Your Estate Plan