Estate Planning

There are some common misconceptions about debt at the end of someone’s life. For instance, there are those who believe that debt is just eliminated when someone passes away, as if it no longer existed. There are others who believe that the children and other...

As you build your estate plan, you may consider using trusts. These are accounts that you can set up, and then you can use the assets in your estate to fund the account. After you pass away, the trustee takes over and distributes the money in accordance with the...

Have you created a list of who gets your antique grandfather’s clock? Or the silver from your first marriage? If not, you are likely setting your family up for quite a bit of conflict after you pass. The good news is, you can work to keep the peace after you pass, now...

You have decided to leave $250,000 to your only son upon your passing because you want to ensure that he has what he needs in the future. The only problem is that your son has a gambling addiction and does not make wise financial decisions. The last thing you want to...

There are valid reasons to cut someone out of your will. Yet, if you do not do it correctly, they may persuade a court to overrule your wishes. Most kids would expect a share of their parent’s will. If a child gets zero, it's logical they will be upset and may blame...

Death is a taboo topic for most people. Unfortunately, it is a rite of passage for everyone. A will is an estate planning tool that allows you to determine how your estate will be distributed to your beneficiaries upon your demise. If you die without one (intestate),...

Over the years, many sitcoms, memes and jokes have been made about the stress of the holidays. Whether these issues are cooking disasters, family feuds or awkward conversations, the holidays can be a virtual minefield to navigate. Taking advantage of having family...

In many American families, the house where people live is the biggest asset the family owns. Even if you have other valuable belongings, your home may have substantial emotional value to you and other people in your family. Obviously, you want to ensure that you can...

When you’re drawing up your estate plan, it’s understandable that you’re focused on who will be inheriting your largest assets, like your bank, retirement and investment accounts. You’re deciding whether you want to leave your home to a loved one or have it sold and...

If you don’t have many assets, then one of your questions may be if you actually need to have an estate plan. The truth is that all people can benefit from an estate plan, because without a will, trust or other protections, your estate could end up going to the state...