Do Unmarried Couples Need Estate Planning?

Experts say that creating a plan for what happens to your estate — regardless of how meager or massive your assets — is key for unmarried couples who want their commitment to each other protected in the event of death.

Be Aware of Probate

Whether you recently experienced the loss of a loved one or are learning how to best prepare and plan your own estate, you’ve likely come across the term and may be wondering, “What is probate?” It’s important to understand what probate is and how the process works.

Can I Add an Adult Daughter to the Title of a Home?

I have a house with a mortgage that I purchased a little over a year ago. At the closing, I asked if I could put my daughter on the deed with me. However, the mortgage company wouldn’t allow it. I don’t want her to have to go through probate, because this is my only asset. Is there a way I can leave the house to her, so she can sell it and pay off the mortgage?

Fixing an Estate Plan Mistake

Sometimes, despite best intentions and best efforts, an estate plan leaves unintended problems for heirs, trustees and others to solve. For example, a trust may have become outdated because of changes in tax laws, the birth or death of family members, or special circumstances like an heir’s disability.

How Do I Incorporate My Business into My Estate Planning?

Running and owning a business is just like raising a child: Both are investments in the future, and both require a lot of time, resources and effort to raise successfully. One can argue that you would treat your business like you’d treat a child; you’d want it to succeed even after you’ve passed on or retired.

How Do I Plan for My Incapacity?

What would happen if you were mentally or physically unable to take care of yourself or your day-to-day affairs? You might not be able to make sound decisions about your health or finances. You could lose the ability to pay bills, write checks, make deposits, sell assets, or otherwise conduct your affairs. Unless you’re prepared, incapacity could devastate your family, exhaust your savings and undermine your financial, tax and estate planning strategies.

I’m a Fiduciary – What Do I Need to Know?

Years ago he signed a power of attorney document naming me as his agent, so I could help him with these types of things. Not ever having done this before, what do I need to know about fiduciary duty?