We are often asked by prospective clients: “Do I need an estate plan?” This is particularly the case for folks under 40 or 50, who just can’t imagine themselves dead or incapacitated. We are also often asked about planning by our clients who have adult children with assets and children of their own. As we all know, we can't and don’t know the future. Should a premature death or disability occur due to an unexpected injury or illness, having an appropriate plan in place will reduce needless … [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...]
Trusts — Irrevocable Versus Revocable
Trusts are often an important tool used in the creation of an estate plan given the versatility and variety offered by a trust. At their core, all trusts are the same. You, as the trustor, must name at least one beneficiary, appoint a trustee to manage trust assets and designate assets that you will use to fund the trust. Beyond the basics, trust can be as complicated, or as simple, as your needs require. The first decision you must make is whether to create a revocable or an irrevocable … [Read more...]
Incapacity Planning: Medical Issues
If you’re considering including incapacity planning in your estate plan (and you definitely should be), it’s important that you understand the use of the different available legal documents. A comprehensive estate plan will allow you to have the best plan in place so that your needs are always met.Did you know…?An advance health care directive is a document that allows you to spell out your wishes regarding end of life treatments and procedures. Many people use their advance health … [Read more...]
Common Estate Planning Myths (part 3 of 3)
Friends, family, acquaintances, and the internet are a breeding ground for estate planning myths. These myths can lead to a failure to plan or a plan that fails. To set the record straight, we are dispelling 7 estate planning myths in this three part article.5. I don’t need a trust because I have a will. Myth!!!Most people would benefit from having a revocable living trust in addition to a pour-over-will. While your will is necessary, it is only effective after you’re dead. … [Read more...]
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (3 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans.We've found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions.Does everyone need a living trust?Most folks would likely benefit from having a living trust; however, if … [Read more...]
Making Estate Planning Easier
If you are intending to create or update your estate plan in 2019, congratulations.Unfortunately, for too many, procrastination causes delays in creating much needed plans. one reason for the delay is that estate planning can seem overwhelming and stressful because it’s a whole new “thing” with new lingo and big decisions to be made. As if that weren’t enough, estate planning involves talking about our health, death, incapacity, interpersonal relations, and finances. At this point, you … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Considerations Entering the New Year (part 2 of 2)
When considering creating or updating your estate plan in 2019, you will want to make sure that you consider all of your planning needs. This will ensure that you have a proper plan that will protect you during all of life’s unexpected events. The information below will explain more about your needs. In this second installment about estate planning considerations, we address additional issues often overlooked in many estate plans. If you have any questions about the information below, or if … [Read more...]
Help Your Parents Organize Their Documents and Other Affairs
It can be stressful trying to locate estate planning documents and other important files during a time of upset. It’s important to make sure that your parents have all of their affairs organized as they continue to age. Organization, not only allows them to have information that they may need easily available, it better ensures important documents are available in the event of a crisis. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to get tips on how to help your parents with their estate … [Read more...]
What are the Essential Estate Planning Documents?
A common inquiry from clients is what legal documents do they need to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of their incapacity or death. These answers can be provided by an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney.Your attorney will have a conversation with you and collect important family, health, financial, goal, and concern information. He or she will then, with your input, design an estate plan that includes several estate planning documents, which are all … [Read more...]
