7 Dangerous Reasons for Delaying Estate Planning
Neither my family nor I own much. Can't we delay planning until we're financially secure? No, you shouldn't. It is vital that you designate someone as your legal guardian in the event of your death. There is nothing worse than having your children become wards of the court or being
The Powers and Limitations of a Will
A will specifies who will receive your property after your death and is an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. When you die without an estate plan (intestate), the state will distribute your assets and property according to state law and possibly against your wishes. Having a will allows
Here Are Five Mistakes People Make When Planning Their Estates
In your adult life, you spend the first half trying to achieve financial stability, followed by the second half trying to maintain it. According to this adage, many people devote considerable time and effort to ensuring their wishes in their estate plan are carried out. Being able to provide for
Understanding the Probate Process
The probate court is the legal process of validating a person's will and ensuring an executor handles the decedent's assets, debts, and final tax filings by law and according to the decedent's wishes. To begin probate, a personal representative or executor must file with the county court where the decedent
Does Your Estate Plan Account For a Pandemic Like COVID-19?
COVID-19 will probably be with us humans forever, endemic in large swaths of the world in varying degrees of intensity. According to National Geographic, COVID-19 may eventually transition into a "mild childhood illness," joining the four endemic human coronaviruses which contribute to the common cold. Three determining factors, human immunity retention
Why It Is Essential To Make a Will
If you have loved ones, then creating a will for your peace of mind and their protection is the right thing to do. Your last will and testament communicates your wishes regarding your dependents and how to dispose of your property when you die. Though crafting your will can make
An Estate Plan Is Necessary to Make Sure Your Final Wishes Are Carried Out
To be sure your final end-of-life wishes are followed; you must prepare an estate plan. Many put off making these plans thinking there is always time. The sad reality is that none of us are guaranteed time. Others may be bothered by the thought of death itself and allow this
A Will Does More Than You Think
It is an unfortunately common and scary truth that most people have not composed their Last Will and Testament. Care.com’s annual estate planning survey for 2019 found that 57% of U.S. adults do not have a will. The survey found that participants were more likely or less likely to have
How Does Estate Planning Protect Your Family and Assets?
Estate planning may sound like the domain of the very wealthy, however, in the eyes of the law, an estate is simply the aggregate of property an individual owns, and most everyone owns something. Property ownership includes individual as well as jointly owned bank accounts, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts,