Tag: estate planning

Safety deposit boxes are used to store important items such as jewelry, legal documents, family heirlooms, and more. Items stored in a safety deposit box often have significant financial and sentimental value.  When a person passes away, there may be many questions regarding safety deposit boxes. What happens to a safety deposit box if it is not listed in the decedent’s will? Who receives the items in the safety deposit box? What if a recently deceased relative has a safety deposit box that no one knows about? Is there a […]

According to a recent poll, only 46 percent of adults in the United States have a will. Even fewer have comprehensive estate plans. A last will and testament is the fundamental estate planning instrument. Through a will, you can specify who will receive your assets, personal possessions, and real estate after you pass away. You can also name a guardian for your minor children in the event that you and the other parent pass away before the children are adults. Without a valid will, state law determines how your property […]

Many people shy away from discussing death openly, but it is something that should be talked about as a part of life. Talking about your eventual passing ensures that everyone who cares about you knows how to best deal with things once you do pass away. Death can happen to anyone at any time, so it is important to have some ideas regarding funeral and burial services and what you want to be done for your children, pets, and important assets. When loved ones understand your wishes, they do not […]

One of the greatest gifts you can give your family is detailed information about how to distribute your property upon your death. It can be a daunting task for surviving loved ones to take care of things once you have passed away. The more information you can provide in advance, the better. You may wish to leave some decisions to their discretion but leave detailed directions for certain items. The specifics are up to you, but getting a blueprint from you will help your loved ones get through the process […]

Retirement planning is critical, and should ideally be started long in advance of your actual retirement date. By incorporating retirement planning into your overall estate plan, you can ensure that all your assets are properly handled and that necessary things like beneficiaries, transfer of ownership, and tax protection are in place for when you retire and also for when you pass away. For business owners, retirement planning is even more important. Retirement accounts and pensions must be addressed properly and thoroughly during retirement planning. There is an art to protecting […]