Many movies and television shows have a scene where a family gathers around a big table after a relative has died to listen to the reading of the will. While this makes for a dramatic scene, one that may have been more common when literacy rates were lower, it doesn't...
Estate Planning
Carl
About two years ago I received a call from a gentleman who lived in a senior housing complex. He didn't remember how he got my name. He said he wanted to prepare a will, power of attorney and a living will and asked If I could help him. During the initial call, I...
How Recent Retirement Changes Could Impact Your Estate Plan
At times, it might seem as though laws governing your retirement accounts remain unchanging. The truth is, though, that politicians work on changes quite frequently and occasionally they even pass substantial legislation that impacts your overall estate plan. The...
3 reasons to write a will before enlisting in the military
If you intend to enlist in the army, navy, marines or any other branch of the armed services, you are undoubtedly excited about your future. After all, the military may give you a unique skill set you can use to find lucrative employment after your service comes to an...
Picking the right executor
One of the most important aspects of planning your estate is finding the right person to act as your executor. This person will oversee the closure of your estate and make sure your end-of-life wishes receive proper attention. Because closing an estate requires a...
Do young people need estate planning?
You may think estate planning is for wealthy or older people. However, even with limited assets, young people need to prepare for unexpected events, too. Regardless of your net worth, you want a plan in place to protect the people close to you. An organized estate...
Keeping your estate plan in working order
Having an estate plan can give you confidence and reassurance about your future. Documenting all of your affairs and providing specific instructions regarding the use of personal assets can also give surviving family members comfort and guidance after your death....
What are the two types of living trust?
You may know what a last will and testament are, but do you know what living trusts are? While everybody should have a last will and testament, many Americans find that adding living trusts to their estate helps create a more nuanced plan. Living trusts offer many...
3 initial steps involved in probate
Probate is the process of handling your estate after you die. Many people have negative feelings about it because of the time it can take and the expense involved. However, probate does not have to be an ordeal. The process is a little different in every state, and...
What should you know about disinheriting your spouse?
When one partner in marriage holds the majority of the assets, it can create fear in the other. They may fear that in the event of their partner's death, they may end up left with virtually nothing, which can make surviving in the aftermath exceedingly difficult. But...