Estate planning is not just for people with considerable money or assets. If you have children or pets, you need some kind of estate planning. If you simply want your loved ones to know what to do should you die or become incapacitated and have the ability to do it, you need to set up some basic documents that fall under estate planning. Even if your needs are not extensive or complex, an estate planning lawyer can make sure that you have done everything you need and that it’s done right. How … [Read more...]
How Can I Avoid Probate and Why Do I Want to?
Probate is a legal process for distributing your estate after you die. It is overseen by the court. Therefore, it can be slow and expensive. It may mean that your loved ones have to wait, sometimes more than a year, to receive the money and property you want them to have and that they probably need right away because you are no longer around. And, it takes away from the value of your estate because it’s expensive. Luckily, it can be avoided if you plan ahead. Estate Planning Tools for Avoiding … [Read more...]
Wills: What You Need to Know
If you are one of the 70% of Americans that do not have a will, it’s time to make a change. A will does not have to be complicated to prepare, but it does need to meet the requirements of your state in order to be valid. When you die without a will, it’s referred to as dying intestate, and it places an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. Your property will be distributed according to your state’s intestate laws. The court will decide who takes your children. When you die intestate, your … [Read more...]
Charitable Giving
For many people, charitable giving can become a powerful and meaningful legacy. It's important that you talk to your loved ones about this kind of generosity, but an experienced estate attorney can help you understand your options. Donating from an estate can come in several forms: of an outright gift in your will, through a retirement account, as a split-interest gift, or as a part of a trust. Many of these options seem like something that only the wealthy consider, but you might be … [Read more...]