It is common knowledge that everyone needs to have an estate plan in place. Commonly, the focus is on assets, taxes, and any changes to legislation that may affect the security of your loved ones in the event of your incapacity or death. What many often forget, however, is that changes in family dynamics and circumstances can threaten even the most well thought out estate plan. This silent threat can easily keep your estate plan from actually working when it is truly needed. Below are several situations where updating an existing estate plan or creating a plan for the first time is…Read More
Hiring an estate planner is an important decision as you are seeking advice on how to protect your loved ones once you are gone. For this reason, it is critical to hire an attorney that not only has good knowledge of estate planning and how to use the tools available to create the best plan for your particular needs, but is personable and has your best interest at heart. Be sure to ask questions because you are not only deciding to hire to attorney, you’re choosing who will help you plan yours and your family’s future. Here are three key…Read More
Will vs. Trust Wills and trusts may seem like very similar estate planning options, and while there are similarities, there are specific differences in how they function: A will is a legal document that designates how you want your assets handled after you die A trust is a fiduciary arrangement, that allows a thirds party to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a specific purpose or person DO YOU NEED A WILL OR TRUST? Are you one of the 60% of Americans (via AARP) that doesn’t have an estate plan, a will, or a trust set up? Are you hesitant…Read More
Get holiday peace all year round when you plan your estate It’s time, it’s finally here: the holiday season. The warm and fuzzies have set in, we’ve seen the first snowfall, and Christmas is right around the corner. This is the time of year we feel most connected to those we love: we show this by eating meals together, giving gifts to show our thanks, and slowing life down to enjoy the little things. Before you know it, January comes back around: things speed up again, the back-to-work stress sets in, and we forgo these content feelings until it’s time…Read More
