Tag Archives: estate planning lawyer
What is an Oral Will and Why Should I Not Use One?
An oral will is most commonly used if a person is too sick or otherwise incapable of writing a traditional will. In using an oral will, the testator (that being the person who makes the will) states his or her wishes aloud in the presence of witnesses, rather than following the formal process of writing […]
How Frequently Should You Review Estate Planning Documents?
Just because you’ve completed your will signing and secured all your estate planning documents does not mean your estate planning process is over. It is important to revisit these documents periodically to make sure they still apply to your current situation and wishes. Reviewing your estate plan A good general rule is to either review […]
What You Should Know About Your Beneficiary Designations
Part of planning your estate thoroughly is making sure all your beneficiary designations are in order. There are certain types of assets (generally, financial accounts and insurance policies) that will allow you to designate beneficiaries. These designations allow for an easy transfer of those account benefits to your beneficiary after you pass away. Having this […]
Why You Might Consider Naming a Professional Trustee
If your estate plan incorporates one or more trusts, you are most likely serving as the current trustee, with your spouse or partner listed as a co-trustee who would then be able to manage the trust if you become unable to do so due to death or incapacitation. But what happens if your spouse becomes […]
Outlining Your Options to Pay for Nursing Home Care
As part of your estate planning process, it’s important to consider how you will pay for nursing home or other long-term care in the event it becomes necessary later in life. Although this long-term care can be very expensive, there are ways you can get assistance outside using your personal finances alone. The following provides […]
What Should You Look For in Your Estate Planning Attorney?
If you are just getting started with the process of planning your estate, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is finding an estate planning attorney with whom you feel comfortable working. If you’ve never worked with a lawyer, you may not know which characteristics you should prioritize. Below are just a few […]
Tips for Gifting Assets to Beneficiaries Before Your Passing
You can help your estate avoid the probate process by passing on some of your property to your children before you die. As a bonus, it can be satisfying to actually witness your loved ones and other beneficiaries enjoy the gifts you leave for them. However, there are some issues to consider with regard to […]
What Does a Trustee Do?
Once you create a trust, you need to assign a trustee who will manage the trust and the assets contained within it when you are unable to do so yourself. Anyone you name to the position of trustee will have significant authority over those assets. You should trust this person to handle your assets responsibly […]
Key Tips to Help Prevent Fights Over Your Estate
When children fight over their parents’ estates, it can result in emotional distress and drawn-out legal battles that can quickly get expensive and time consuming. To help avoid this situation, here are some steps you can take when engaged in the estate planning process: Choose the right person to be your personal representative: The individual […]
Probate is Not a Long Process in Most Cases
The probate process can get drawn out and expensive in some cases, and it is always beneficial to do your best to avoid probate through effective estate planning. However, if your estate does have to go through probate, you should not worry about it taking years for the case to wrap up. Typically, the only […]