It’s often said that most people don’t have an estate plan. And this is true, as the majority of Americans haven’t done their planning yet. But the key thing to remember is that this doesn’t mean no one wants an estate plan or that no one understands how valuable it...
Estate plans allow you to reduce your beneficiaries' tax liabilities after you die. They can also reduce the potential of estate litigation due to disagreements between your heirs. While estate planning can help you maximize your estate's value, it's important to...
One of the reasons you’re developing an estate plan is likely to save your loved ones from having to go through a lengthy probate process to settle your estate. Avoiding probate can save time, money and stress. It can also help keep your estate private. If you’re like...
When a parent passes away and leaves assets to you or your siblings, you probably assume that you’ll all take what you receive gratefully. Unfortunately, when what’s passed on isn’t equal, there is always a risk that someone will be upset by what they’ve received and...
When you die intestate (without a will), there may be confusion regarding the division of your estate. It can set off conflict, especially where there are disagreements among the beneficiaries. Fortunately, there are laws that address such situations where someone...
Life is constantly changing. The plans you made several years ago may need to be changed to reflect your current situation. The same can be said for estate planning. The will you wrote in 2015 should definitely be reviewed and updated as your circumstances change...
You started out with a small business and it has continued to grow over the years. You’re now in a position where you’re looking to expand further. There are many options to choose from, but a merger has been at the top of your list for some time. Before committing to...
When you start making your estate plan, a go-to document is a will. While this is a great start, it’s not the only legal document that your estate plan should include. Remember, the process to execute a will takes some time and those who are set to receive assets...
When someone adds a trust to their estate, they may have a specific estate planning goal in mind. They may want to protect certain property from a creditor's claims or prevent their loved ones from misusing an inheritance. They may even make to pave the way for an...
As the executor or personal representative of an estate, you have a lot of responsibility. You also have a little bit of risk. If you make mistakes in your management of estate property, creditors might actually bring a claim against you personally. Those handling an...