People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the fourth in a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addressing those questions. This fourth article addresses the “where” of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the third in a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addressing those questions. This third article addresses “when” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 2
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the second in a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addressing those questions. This second article addresses “what” Estate Planning comprises. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 2 … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part I: Who
People often have questions on Estate Planning. This is the first in a series of articles addressing those questions. This first article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addresses “who” should do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part I: Who … [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...]
Make Your Own Plan
Planning is important. If you don’t plan, your assets go pursuant to the state’s default plan, which may be very different from what you want. As discussed in this post by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, if you plan, you can be sure your assets go exactly to whom you want and in a manner that can benefit them the most. Make Your Own Plan … [Read more...]
What Happens After You Die…With or Without an Estate Plan (part 2 of 2)
You may be wondering how your affairs will be handled after your death, whether you have an estate plan in place, or not. Take a look at some of the information below, to better understand how your affairs will be handled if you do indeed have a plan. Part 1 of this 2 part article discusses what happens if you do NOT have an estate plan in place. With an estate plan… If you only have a will in place, your affairs will likely still have to go through the probate process. This is … [Read more...]
The Little Things May be the Most Important
Your estate may be worth a little or a lot at your death. The items which your beneficiaries might cherish could be the sentimental ones. Read the following blog by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn how your will or trust could provide the ability for you to keep a list and update it without needing to see your lawyer every time you change your mind on an item. The Little Things May be the Most Important … [Read more...]
Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family?
Aretha Franklin died intestate. Intestacy has definite drawbacks. In this post by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, he examines what this means for her family, financially and in other ways. Aretha was the Queen of Soul, but her lack of planning caused consequences she did not consider. Aretha Franklin Died Intestate: What Does It Mean for Her Family? … [Read more...]
Estate Administration: A Probate Attorney Can be Invaluable
A probate attorney, commonly referred to as an estate attorney, focuses on assisting a Personal Representative through the entire probate process from beginning to end. A probate attorney can be an invaluable resource because the laws in each state are different with regard to probate proceedings and all of the requirements imposed by the probate court. In fact, the first piece of advice for a personal representative is “hire an attorney.” Here's why. What is involved in estate … [Read more...]
