We call it the brother-in-law syndrome: your brother-in-law knows everything, even though he doesn’t. He tells anyone who’ll listen how much money he’s saved by doing things himself. Sadly, it’s the family who has to make things right after the do-it-yourself estate plan fails. This is the message from an article titled “Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate … Continue reading The Risks of Creating Your Own Estate Plan
Category: Guardian
Yes, You Need a Will. Now.
Less than half of Americans have a will, or have any idea of how they would like to have their money and property handled at the time of their passing, according to an article titled “How to make a will and why you need one while you’re still alive” from Today. Why do you need a will? A … Continue reading Yes, You Need a Will. Now.
Why You Need an Estate Plan
Did you think you had to be rich to have an estate? Think again! From a legal perspective, your estate includes everything you own, from tangible property like a car, house, furniture, as well as intangible assets like insurance policies, bank accounts, retirement and investment accounts. You don’t have to be rich to have an … Continue reading Why You Need an Estate Plan
Ask Mom if She has a Will
The family was baffled. Not only was the will out of date, but it was also unsigned and the person named as executor had died a decade before their mother died. Grandchildren born after the will was created were not mentioned and personal possessions left to some people in the will had been given away … Continue reading Ask Mom if She has a Will
Estate Planning Considerations for Minor Children
Creating an estate plan with minor children in mind has a host of variables quite different than one where all heirs are adults. If the intention is for the minor children to be beneficiaries, or if there is a remote chance a minor child might become an unintended beneficiary, different provisions will be needed. An … Continue reading Estate Planning Considerations for Minor Children
Why Is it Important to Have an Estate Plan?
By the time you reach your thirties, it’s likely you’ve accumulated some assets—maybe a home, a car, a savings account and some cryptocurrency. However, if you are like most millennials, even though you know you should have a will, you probably don’t. An article, “5 Reasons Estate Planning Is So Important” from The Baltic Times, reports a staggering … Continue reading Why Is it Important to Have an Estate Plan?
Could Your Estate Plan Be a Disaster?
You may think your estate plan is all set. However, it might not be. If you met with your attorney when your children were small, and your children are now grown and have children of their own, your estate could be a disaster waiting to happen, says an article “Today’s Business: Your estate plan—what could go … Continue reading Could Your Estate Plan Be a Disaster?
What Documents are Needed in an Emergency?
Most people don’t have any idea where to start when it comes to their emergency documents. This often keeps them from going anywhere near their estate planning. This is a big mistake, says an article, “3 tasks your family needs to complete to ease any anxiety over unexpected emergencies,” from MarketWatch. Estate planning is not just about wealthy … Continue reading What Documents are Needed in an Emergency?
The Basics of Estate Planning
No matter how BIG or small your net worth is, estate planning is a process that ensures your assets are handed down the way you want after you die. Work with an estate planning attorney to ensure your documents are in line with your intentions. Forbes’ article entitled “Estate Planning Basics” explains that everybody has an estate. … Continue reading The Basics of Estate Planning
Do I Need a Last Will and Testament?
Estate planning encompasses everything from planning for property distribution at death to preparing for incapacity, tax planning and guardian planning for minor children. An experienced estate planning attorney is involved with far more than a last will and testament. However, this is what most people think of when they sit down for their first meeting. … Continue reading Do I Need a Last Will and Testament?