A pour-over will is a particular kind of will created to work with a trust, with a goal of facilitating the transfer of assets if the person creating the trust (the grantor) has not transferred all of their assets into the trust. This happens more often than you’d think. How do you know if you … Continue reading What Is a Pour-Over Will?
Category: 401(k)
What Is a TOD Beneficiary?
It’s possible to name a TOD beneficiary for many account types—retirement accounts, savings accounts and even brokerage accounts. This can help you and your heirs avoid the sometimes costly process of probate. You can name anyone. However, if you’re married, your spouse may have special rights over your assets that take precedence over your named … Continue reading What Is a TOD Beneficiary?
How Does Probate Court Work?
Probate court is where wills are examined to be sure they have been prepared according to the laws of the state and according to the wishes of the person who has died. It is also the jurisdiction where the executor is approved, their activities are approved and all debts are paid and assets are distributed … Continue reading How Does Probate Court Work?
What Is Included in an Estate Inventory?
The executor’s job includes gathering all of the assets, determining the value and ownership of real estate, securities, bank accounts and any other assets and filing a formal inventory with the probate court. Every state has its own rules, forms and deadline for the process, says an article from yahoo! Finance titled “What Do I Need to Do … Continue reading What Is Included in an Estate Inventory?
How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Being Disinherited
Even if you’ve updated your wills, power of attorney, trusts and documented your end-of-life wishes, you haven’t finished with your estate plan, says an article, “On the Money: Do not disinherit your loved ones” from the Aiken Standard. Forgetting to update beneficiary designations for retirement plans at work, IRAs, life insurance policies, mutual funds, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, … Continue reading How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Being Disinherited