If you have overheard any estate planning discussions, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee.” In estate planning, deciding who will ultimately be tasked with caring for your minor child or managing funds for their benefit is an important decision...
Month: November 2024
Left Out of Your Parent’s Estate Plan? What You Need to Consider
Many members of the next generation are banking on a sizable inheritance as part of an unprecedented intergenerational wealth transfer occurring in the United States right now. However, research shows a growing disconnect between how much children expect to receive...
Reviewing Your Estate Plan after the Death of a Loved One
The death of a loved one is never easy. Regardless of your relationship with the deceased (for example, a relative, significant other, or close friend), you need space and time to process and grieve your loss. Once you have had time to cope with all that has happened,...
How to Make Your Inheritance Last
Most people believe that receiving a large inheritance from a loved one would be life-changing. At least one study, however, found that about one-third of Americans who had received an inheritance eventually experienced a decrease or no change in their wealth after...
3 Tips for Every New Homeowner
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! Whether this is your first home or you are upgrading or downsizing from your current home, the purchase of a home is a big event in your life. When major life events occur, it is important that you have a plan in place...
How Are My Business Documents Relevant to My Estate Plan?
Studies consistently find that only about 25–35 percent of Americans have an estate plan, a shockingly low rate when you consider that, in the absence of a plan, the state—not you or your family—decides what happens to your assets, including your business interests....
How Do You Define the Beneficiaries of Your Dynasty Trust?
Many estate plans incorporate irrevocable dynasty trusts, which can offer benefits such as tax minimization and asset protection. The benefits of these types of trusts continue for a surviving spouse’s lifetime and several future generations. The actual duration of...
How to Pick a Trustee, Personal Representative, and Agent under a Power of Attorney
While the term fiduciary is a legal term with a rich history, it generally means someone who is legally obligated to act in another person’s best interest. Trustees, personal representatives, and agents are examples of fiduciaries. When you select people to fill these...
Will My Revocable Living Trust Avoid Probate? It Depends.
If you have established a revocable living trust (which we will refer to simply as a trust), congratulations! You are on the right track in creating a comprehensive estate plan. However, you are only halfway there. Many people believe that because they took the time...