The estate administration process involves managing a deceased person’s assets and distributing them to their beneficiaries. This process typically includes identifying and inventorying the decedent’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing any remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in… Read more »
Category: Estate Planning
In the Event of the Death of a Family Member Without a Will, What Do You Do?
COVID-19 has raised awareness in the US more than ever about the importance of having a will, a living trust, or a living will. Still, this knowledge is not translating into estate planning action. No matter your age or asset… Read more »
Do-it-Yourself Estate Planning: The Perils
Do-it-yourself estate planning may seem like a cost-saving option. However, it can be costly in the end, both financially and in terms of family well-being. Estate planning involves important decisions about how your assets will be distributed after you die… Read more »
Guardianships: Protecting Your Finances and Right to Vote
All US citizens have the fundamental right to vote, but if you become a ward through a guardianship process, you may lose that right. You could also lose control of your finances to someone you don’t fully trust. By nominating… Read more »
Special Needs Trusts: What You Need to Know
In order to ensure their loved one with special needs has the resources to succeed for the long term, special needs trusts (SNTs) can be an extremely useful planning tool. A special needs trust can provide fiduciary management and oversight… Read more »
Does the Probate Attorney Represent the Executor or Estate Heirs?
It is essential at the beginning of the probate process to know the role of the lawyer, regardless of whether you are the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is understanding… Read more »
Probate: What You Need to Know
The right estate planning can minimize or eliminate probate, but sometimes it’s necessary, despite the stigma associated with it. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what… Read more »
The Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
For estate planning purposes, revocable and irrevocable trusts are the most common types. While there is some similarity, these two major categories of trusts have different purposes in your estate plan. Both can substitute for a last will and testament… Read more »
What a Divorce Means for Estate Planning
Divorce can be a difficult process. It is a stressful and emotional experience. There are many factors to consider that may also change over time. For younger couples, children are likely a top concern. For older couples, a long-term home,… Read more »
A Tax on Generation-Skipping Transfers
In the US, generation-skipping transfer (GST) is the US government’s tax on transfers of property that skip a generation. Its primary design is to prevent wealthier individuals from avoiding estate and gift taxes by transferring large amounts of assets to… Read more »