Estate planning is an essential task, ensuring a smooth transition of assets after death. Despite its importance, many misconceptions surrounding estate planning lead people to make inadequate plans or delay planning altogether. These misconceptions can create...
Estate Planning
What to expect as an executor of a large estate
When you consent to assume the role of executor for a loved one's will, it falls to you to oversee matters of that person's estate when they ultimately pass away. While an executor's duties always entail significant commitment, the process is generally smooth and...
3 reasons to update your estate plan
An estate plan is a set of legal documents that outline how you want your loved ones to distribute your assets after you pass away. However, life is full of changes, and it is important to update your estate plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes....
What to include in an estate plan
Did you know that 67% of Americans have no documents, guidance or plan in place for when they die? This means that their families will have to rely on the government and probate process to determine who gets what. If you want to determine your beneficiaries and their...
How can you avoid disinheriting children after a divorce?
If you had an estate plan before your divorce, you need to double-check it following your divorce and if you plan to remarry. Most people plan to leave some of their assets to their children. If you have children from a previous marriage and want them to continue to...
How to choose an executor? And other estate planning FAQs
Whether you go the will or trust route, part of estate planning involves choosing a person to execute your final wishes. The law refers to this person as the estate executor. Though an estate executor does not need specific legal knowledge, he or she should be...
Beyond a will: business-owner estate planning
Many business owners know the importance of having a will. There are also other tools at an entrepreneur's disposal to help ensure the legacy of a mature small business. A considered plan could protect an estate from certain types of creditors, reduce taxation and...
How can you avoid beneficiary designation mistakes?
While wills and trusts are crucial when it comes to estate planning, they are not the only tools available. Life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets come with beneficiary designations, which stipulate who will receive those assets after you die....
3 considerations when choosing a guardian for your child
It can be difficult and upsetting to imagine a scenario in which you are no longer living to care for your young children. Nevertheless, you have to take this into consideration when choosing someone to serve as a guardian for your children in the event of your death....
4 times you should update your will
Having a will can give you peace of mind. It allows you to rest assured that you have made your wishes known and done your best to provide for your family after your death. However, this does not mean you should file the document away and forget about it. There are...
Many Family Law situations can have a big impact on your future.
Don’t forget to update your estate plan.