What Does Estate Plan Include?
A will is first. In essence, a will spells out who will get your stuff, in what proportions they will get it and in some instances at least, upon what conditions.
How Do You Pass Down a Vacation Home?
If you do not plan appropriately and thoughtfully, problems may arise with respect to this property and your family when you are gone.
What Kind of Trust Is Right for You?
Estate planning is a crucial part of any holistic financial plan, and financial advisors often work with estate planning attorneys for guidance in this area.
Do You Need a Revocable Trust or Irrevocable Trust?
Trust funds are not just for the ultra-rich. These sophisticated estate-planning tools can make just as much sense for middle-class Americans who own a home and have a net worth of at least $100,000.
Is it Better to Have a Living Will or a Living Trust?
Whether you need a living will vs. living trust as part of your estate plan depends on your overall financial situation and goals. However, it’s helpful to consider the advantages of including one or both in your planning efforts.
The Importance of a Will
There’s much to plan for in life—college, your wedding, your first child, life insurance—and with more than enough to keep you busy, it’s easy to forget about your will.
Consider Funding a Trust with Life Insurance
Estate planning is all about ensuring that your wishes are met after your death. All estate plans should include a will and powers of attorney. However, in many cases, a trust has additional benefits beyond what can be accomplished with the will and powers of attorney.
Different Trusts for Different Estate Planning Purposes
Trusts are legal entities that own assets, and all trusts are not alike. They are created by a written trust document with certain provisions that can vary from trust to trust.
How Does an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust Work?
This type of trust can be established to benefit your spouse, children, grandchildren and other descendants. However, it may be more appropriate in some situations than others. Getting to know the details of what an IDGT is and how it works can help you decide if it makes sense for you.
Estate Planning and Probate Planning
Probate is the court process to distribute someone’s estate after their death, even if there is a will and is notoriously slow in California.