How to Simplify Estate Planning

Estate planning can be an emotional and challenging endeavor. However, here are three tips to make it easier and to help you prepare for the future.

What are the Stages of Probate?

Although most assets in your estate may pass through the probate process, other assets may not. It often depends on the type of asset or how an asset is titled.

Can a Charity Be a Beneficiary of an Estate?

Ever since a group of philanthropists created the Giving Pledge in 2010, taxpayers have expressed greater interest in potential estate planning strategies that would allow them to leave a significant portion of their assets to charity upon their death.

Estate Planning and a Second Marriage

Married people in second marriages with prior children often have to balance the future well-being of their spouse with that of their own children.

Reviewing Your Estate Plan Protects Goals, Family

Most people wish to have more control over who and how their assets are managed than what the state laws provide, and so they draft documents that can override the Laws of Intestacy, when those laws do not match their objectives.

What You Should Never, Ever, Include in Your Will

A last will and testament is a straightforward estate planning tool, used to determine the beneficiaries of your assets when you die, and, if you have minor children, nominating a guardian who will raise your children. Wills can be very specific but can’t enforce all of your wishes. For example, if you want to leave…

Do We Need Estate Planning?

Everyone, regardless of financial status or age, can benefit from having an estate plan—assuming you have assets to leave and people to leave them to.