Today, so many aspects of our lives are managed virtually. We keep currency, photos, music, documents, bills, medical records, artwork and even our social lives online or ‘in the cloud.’
For larger estates, a revocable trust is generally the most effective tool for avoiding probate. It involves some setup costs. However, it allows you to manage the disposition of all of your wealth in one document, while retaining control and reserving the right to modify your plan.
If you’re planning an inheritance, be careful about leaving these assets to a loved one. They may create more trouble than they’re worth.
Every so often, it’s smart to methodically go through your estate planning documents and see if any tweaks are needed. Here’s a checklist to guide you through that mission.
Do my husband’s minor children from a prior marriage have any rights to any marital assets acquired during our marriage in the event he dies before me?
The term ‘conservatorship’ was suddenly all over the news this year because of singer Britney Spears. However, whether you’ve been reading up on the topic because of current events or you’ve been trying to understand it for personal reasons, the legal jargon can be confusing.
It takes a special parent to care for a child with special needs. These parents’ greatest financial concern is typically ensuring that their children are cared for when they can no longer do so.
While a will is often part of an estate plan, an estate plan covers much more ground.
Major changes in your life—such as marriage, having a baby, moving out of state, or divorce—should prompt a revisit to your current will. It is important to revise your will at these times, in order to ensure your estate planning is up to date.
When it comes to estate planning, many Americans are unprepared for what comes after death. Two out of three adults do not have a will or other estate planning documents, according to the caregiving website Caring.com.