Category Archives: Estate Planning
Yes, Electronic Signatures Are Legally Binding
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a greater reliance on electronic signatures for a wide variety of legal documents, including estate planning documents. Some people might not have experience in using e-signing tools, and thus might wonder if they are legally binding. The answer is yes: documents signed electronically have the same […]
Alternative Methods of Estate Planning You Can Use During a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a much greater need for flexibility with work and communication. People are now working remotely and having virtual meetings and conferences in place of in-person ones. With many legal offices and courtrooms being closed or having certain limitations in place due to the pandemic, it has become important for […]
Circumstances That Should Lead to You Updating Your Estate Plan
Every few years, it’s a good idea to go back and revisit your estate plan and make sure everything is up to date for your current life situation. There are some major life changes that should also prompt you to revisit and update your estate plan as needed. Now, in the midst of a global […]
Issues to Consider When Developing Advance Directives
Advance directives are important to include in your estate plan, and it has become especially important now to revisit your advance directives in the wake of a global pandemic that has killed more than 140,000 people (and counting) in the United States. Here are a few of the most important issues to consider when developing […]
Writing Your Advance Directives
An advance directive is a legal document you fill out to leave behind instructions for the type of medical care you wish to have if something happens and you’re unable to act on your own behalf. This ensures your family members and doctors will know your wishes for particular situations, and can act according to […]
The Benefits of Financial Power of Attorney
One of the questions you’ll need to consider as you plan your estate is who you will name as your agent in a financial power of attorney. This person will have the authority to make certain financial transactions and decisions on your half should you become incapacitated. There are a variety of benefits to granting […]
Are There Any Risks Associated with Granting Power of Attorney?
Power of attorney is a designation you provide to a chosen person (your agent) to make certain decisions on your behalf, generally related to finances or healthcare. It is an element of any strong estate plan to ensure your wishes are followed in the event of your incapacitation. But are there any risks associated with […]
What You Can Do to Make Sure Your Grandchildren Get Their Inheritance
If one of your estate planning goals is to leave behind assets for your grandchildren, there are several steps you can take to accomplish this. The most important decision you can make is to have open, frank discussions about your estate planning goals with your adult children. If you want to be certain assets pass […]
What to Know About Discretionary Lifetime Trusts
A discretionary trust is a type of trust in which distributions are made at the discretion of another person (the trustee). Beneficiaries in this type of trust do not have any control over trust assets and are not able to demand distributions. These trusts are often used for minor beneficiaries. Here’s a quick overview of […]
What to Consider When Selecting a Guardian for Minor Children
If you have minor children, arguably the most important part of your estate plan is the stipulation in which you name the person who will take care of your children if you and the other parent should die while they are still minors. This person is known as the “guardian” of the children. Most people […]