The Benefits of a Good Estate Plan

If you don’t have a comprehensive estate plan, state law will control. That’s unlikely to that the state will do what you would choose to do. MSN’s  article entitled “What is estate planning?” discusses the benefits of estate planning. Minimizes taxes. Clever structuring of flexible retirement accounts, such as a Roth IRA, can help funnel more tax-free money to … Continue reading The Benefits of a Good Estate Plan

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

Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

One reason to review your estate plan is to make sure people you’ve assigned roles to, like executor or guardian, are still living and willing to perform these tasks, according to the article “Five common estate planning mistakes to avoid” from the Idaho Press. Another is to be sure your estate plan is not missing out on any … Continue reading Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan

Estate planning means making plans to manage and distribute assets and caring for loved ones in the event of a person’s death or incapacity. It also involves the creation of legally binding documents to outline a person’s wishes for health care and financial matters. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out and is also … Continue reading Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan

What’s the Best Way to Organize Your Estate Plan?

Congratulations, if you already have an estate plan. However, do you remember where you put it? Does anyone but you know where it is? According to an article from The Press-Enterprise, “2023 check list: How to organize your estate plan,” most people take their estate plan and put the binder or file folder someplace they deem safe and … Continue reading What’s the Best Way to Organize Your Estate Plan?

You Need a Completed and Properly Prepared Will

The first two essential estate planning documents are the durable power of attorney for legal and financial matters, followed by a healthcare power of attorney. Next is the last will and testament.  However, unlike the first two, the last will is not used until after death, explained in the article titled “Completing a will ensures wishes … Continue reading You Need a Completed and Properly Prepared Will

How Can I Relieve My Family’s Stress When I Die?

After losing a family member, people experience pain and grief. The situation gets worse if legal issues are involved, resulting in family conflicts. Such challenges are typically the result of a lack of planning when they could have been much easier if a good plan had been in place, says Scubby’s article entitled “7 Ways To Ease Your … Continue reading How Can I Relieve My Family’s Stress When I Die?

What Is Probate Court?

Probate court is a part of the court system that oversees the execution of wills, as well as the handling of estates, conservatorships and guardianships. This court also is responsible for the commitment of a person with psychiatric disabilities to institutions designed to help them. Investopedia’s an article entitled “What Is Probate Court?” also explains that the probate … Continue reading What Is Probate Court?

Which Documents are in an Estate Plan?

Understanding how estate planning documents work is central to creating an estate plan for each individual’s unique situation. An estate planning attorney needs to know the details of your life, not because they’re nosy. It is because this is how they can create a plan tailored to protect you during your lifetime, plan for long-term … Continue reading Which Documents are in an Estate Plan?