Estate Planning

One of the most important goals in estate planning is to make sure that your wishes will be known and carried out after you pass away. It is an invaluable resource for making sure that you have legally documented who should receive what, so there are fewer arguments and legal issues. Having a well-written, detailed, and up-to-date estate plan can prevent future conflict as well as give you the maximum amount of control over where you want your money and possessions to go.  Too often, people think verbal agreements or […]

Many older people have wills and plans that were created when they were younger, or before they had additional family members, such as grandchildren. Their circumstances and families have most likely changed since the documents were drawn up, as well as there being changes in the laws. Talking to your parents about their estate plan can be uncomfortable. However, planning for how their estate should be handled in the event of their death or incapacitation is an important conversation to have. Having an organized and current will or estate plan […]

The prospect of losing a spouse is a frightening and saddening one. No one likes to think about what would happen to their family were their spouse to die, but it is wise for a family to consider the possibility during estate planning. It is essential to know how you would keep going after the death of a spouse – especially for families with young children. An estate planning attorney can work closely with your family to build a plan to protect you and your children’s financial well-being in this […]

Most married couples share at least one financial or investment account. You may be wondering: What happens to shared accounts when one spouse passes away? Is there anything we can do legally so we know what will happen to one spouse’s interest in those accounts when the other passes away? An estate planning attorney will be able to help. Making arrangements regarding joint accounts is a part of the estate planning process, and it is something every married couple should plan for.  What Happens to Jointly Owned Finances When One […]

The majority of people who plan their estates provide for how their monetary assets and real estate will be distributed. Bank accounts, stocks, houses, and businesses are the first things people think of when they begin the estate planning process. Material possessions, however, are often forgotten about. The importance of including material possessions in your estate plan is not to be underestimated – family conflicts over personal belongings during estate distribution are quite common. You have the opportunity to reduce the risk of conflict among your loved ones by including […]

In the event that you become incapacitated, it is crucial to have someone you trust designated to make financial decisions for you. This trusted person, called an “agent,” will be able to look out for your financial interests when you can no longer do so, either temporarily or permanently. By creating a financial power of attorney, you can rest assured that the person you choose as your agent will be able to manage your finances and help with things like making sure your bills are paid.  How Long Does a […]

As a business owner, it is important to always look ahead to the future. Day-to-day concerns can sometimes get in the way of bigger picture concerns like estate planning and succession planning. However, planning for what happens to your business if you retire or pass away is a crucial responsibility that should not be overlooked. If you procrastinate succession planning and you suffer an unexpected illness or incapacitating injury, what will happen to your business? What if you experience some changes in your family that require you to retire sooner […]

Estate planning allows you to dictate exactly how your assets are distributed to heirs upon your death. If you are like many people, you may have concerns about leaving an inheritance to beneficiaries who are not ready to receive it. Some beneficiaries may be too young to manage the funds or property they receive. Other beneficiaries may have poor money management skills or simply lack the maturity to handle the inheritance appropriately. If you are interested in leaving assets to your loved ones but you have concerns such as these, […]