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...]
4 Benefits to Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
If you want the best estate planning possible, you will need to take extra care when handling your affairs. It can be extremely beneficial to get the help of an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney. He or she will be there to advise you throughout the entire process and help you develop the best plan that meets your needs. Take a look at the following information, to learn more about the 4 benefits of hiring a experienced and qualifiied estate planning lawyer. If you have any … [Read more...]
Estate Planning? How do I Start?
We understand if engaging in the estate planning process seems like a big deal. There are forms to fill out, difficult issues to think about, documents to review, legal fees to be paid, and you have to work with an attorney which may be something you have not previously had to do. None of these things rank highly on anyone’s “My Top 10 Ways to Spend an Afternoon.” But, let us put your mind at ease. Once you enter the estate planning process, you’ll feel a much better. You’ll be able to … [Read more...]
Where Do It Yourself = Do It Wrong
An estate plan is an important part of one’s plan for the future. Many realize that they need the assistance of an experienced and qualified attorney to assist them in their efforts. Unfortunately, some folks will cut corners in their estate planning efforts in an effort to save a few bucks or because they think they are as smart as or smarter than their estate planning lawyer when it comes to drafting documents or both. Even with persons who were prudent enough to have their original plans … [Read more...]
So, You are Looking at Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
If you’re beginning to think about your estate planning needs, you’re probably considering hiring an estate planning attorney. You’re on the right track; hiring an experienced and qualified estate planning is highly recommended and will pay off handsomely. However, you may have some confusion as to what exactly an estate planning attorney does or how he or she can help you. Take a look at the following information. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to begin your estate planning, … [Read more...]
Probate Basics: Some Considerations
Question 1: What is Probate? Probate is legal process through which a deceased person’s property must proceed before a new legal owner can be identified. Probate is designed to evaluate what a deceased person owned, as well as what kind of debts the person had. The property the person owned is used to pay off the debts, and anything left over is distributed to his or her inheritors. Question 2: Does all a Person’s Property go Through Probate? No. Some property is specifically exempt from … [Read more...]
Your Living Trust – What if You Want to Change it?
Revocable living trusts are one of the best estate planning tools available to most people. These trusts allow you great flexibility in not only selecting who receives your property after you die, but also in avoiding probate and reducing potential estate tax issues. However, there are specific laws which apply to creating and using a revocable living trust, and if you want to make changes to the trust after you make it, you must be sure to do so properly. Here's what you need to … [Read more...]
A Recipe You Don't Want: The Silent Estate Plan
If there is one lesson everyone should take away about estate planning it is this: you need to do more than remain silent. Estate planning is, at its core, making choices and setting them down on paper. When you don't make any choices or, even worse, make the choice and assume that your wishes will be followed, you're going to have a bad time. Here are three reasons why remaining silent is not a good option when making a plan. Reason 1. California has already chosen who will inherit your … [Read more...]
Religious Values and Estate Planning
While estate planning attorneys are experts in advising clients on how to create an estate plan that fits their needs, there is one part of that equation the attorney is unable to answer. You are the only person who can tell your attorney what your religious values are and how important it is to you to reflect those values in your estate plan. Here are three tips you can use to help you decide what role your religious values should play as you create your estate plan. Tip 1: Consider your … [Read more...]
Good Estate Planning Advice Pays for Itself
When beginning to think about your estate plan needs, it’s important to get proper legal representation. You likely want to make sure that you’re able to have the best plan possible. Don’t guess your way through this important planning process. Take a look at the following information, to learn more. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to create an estate plan, contact an experienced and qualified estate planning attorney. Would you accept legal advice from anyone? Would you use … [Read more...]
