Handling a Loved One’s Debts After They Die
Handling a Loved One’s Debts After They Die Americans are, quite literally, getting buried in debt, with nearly half expecting to pass away with outstanding debts.[1] As a general rule, […]
Estate Planning for the Newly Married
Now is the perfect time to start working on an estate plan. As newlyweds, you are likely in the process of deciding which of your accounts and property (your assets) to combine and how to turn two households into one. You may also be setting up new bank accounts and creating a plan for paying shared bills and other expenses.
Estate Planning for Collectors and Hobbyists
Americans often prefer to stay busy. When we are not working, many of us turn to hobbies to keep us engaged and productive. We spend hours each day on our […]
Estate Planning Basics for Newlyweds: How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Getting married is a special time in your life; you may have a beautiful wedding, a fun reception (with a delicious cake and special gifts), and a romantic honeymoon. It […]
Does Your Revocable Living Trust Reduce Your Federal Estate Tax Bill?
Many believe that once they set up and fund a revocable living trust, property held in the trust will completely avoid federal estate taxes after they die. In reality, a […]
Appointing Your Legacy: A Guide to Using a General Power of Appointment Trust to Protect Your Spouse
Through sickness and health, thick and thin, you and your spouse have been there for each other. You may even share almost everything, including your estate plan. That plan expresses […]
Maximize Tax Benefits and Protect Your Spouse with a Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust
Valentine’s Day spending totaled nearly $26 billion in 2024, including an all-time high of $6.4 billion spent on jewelry.[1] Yet many Americans report feeling disappointed that their partner did not […]
Protect Your Wealth and Your Spouse with a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust
February, the month of love, is the perfect time to show your loved ones that you care about their financial futures. While chocolates and flowers are nice gestures, a spousal […]
Pros and Cons of Naming Many Residuary Beneficiaries in a Will or Trust
You have meticulously created your estate plan to ensure that it includes and addresses all of your most important assets (accounts and property). You have reviewed your asset list repeatedly, […]
Can I Leave My Spouse Out of My Estate Plan?
The relationship between spouses is special in all contexts, not the least of which is the estate planning context. In many instances, you can exclude people from your estate plan, […]