Common Life Events that Require an Updated Will

Category Archives: Estate Planning

Common Life Events that Require an Updated Will

When a major life event occurs, it’s important to update your will to reflect changing circumstances. Whether you are revising your will to add a new family member or simply wish to include additional assets, consider the following life events that typically require an updated will: You get married: When you enter into a marriage, […]

Important Considerations When Creating Your Will

A will is an essential component of nearly any estate plan. This important document can protect a life’s worth of earnings and assets, and provide for your family in your absence. Whether you’re updating an existing document or starting from scratch, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind: It’s never too early […]

Ensuring Inheritances are Spent Appropriately

Trust funds are created with the intent to provide for a loved one financially. Despite this, some grantors may be concerned that beneficiaries will squander allocated funds once they start receiving an inheritance. Fortunately, there are provisions that exist to help regulate the use and distribution of assets. Spendthrift provisions A spendthrift provision is specific […]

Deciding on Whether to Compensate Your Trustee

As part of your estate planning process, you may choose to allocate a portion of your assets into a trust. By doing so, you transfer ownership of included property to a designated trustee who, in turn, manages the funds for a beneficiary. Although not all trustees are paid, some do receive compensation because of the […]

Planning Your Estate When You Have Never Been Married

Unmarried adults face several different variables when it comes to preparing an estate plan. Unlike individuals with spouses, those who have never been married may include extended family, friends or even mentors in a will. As an increasing number of American adults are delaying marriage or not getting married at all, it’s becoming much more […]

Common Myths Related to Estate Planning

The many misconceptions out there about estate planning can prevent people from taking the necessary steps to protect their assets and loved ones in the years to come. Some of the most common myths about estate planning include the following: Myth: Estate planning is only for the extremely wealthy. The reality is that every adult […]

Estate Planning for Married Couples: Tips to Secure Your Future

A comprehensive estate plan can be one of the best ways to provide for your spouse financially in the event of your passing. Yet, many couples fail to take any step toward crafting a plan that protects assets and loved ones. If you feel unsure about your financial preparedness, the following are several ways to […]

Keeping Your Estate Planning Documents Safe

In many ways, your estate plan is a safety net that secures the future of your property and the wellbeing of your loved ones. After putting a great deal of thought and effort into creating and formalizing your documents, it’s critical these papers remain as safe as possible. The following are several tips for keeping […]

Need-to-Know Facts on Living Wills

When it comes to estate planning, establishing a living will might be one of the most important steps you can take to give direction on your end-of-life care. It is important to understand that a living will is different than a standard will. Standard wills are used to name beneficiaries or guardians at the time […]

Do You Really Need a Will?

If you are wondering whether you need a will, the simple answer is yes. Wills protect your assets, help provide for your loved ones and enforce your wishes when you are not able to do so yourself. Most people should have a will as part of their estate plans, but it is important to understand […]