Having a properly drafted and up-to-date will is one of the most important steps you can ever take. Done right, a will can give you peace of mind knowing that your future and loved ones are secured. On the other hand, a poorly created will can be susceptible to...
Estate Planning
3 ways to fund a special needs trust for your child
Maybe your child was born with a condition like cerebral palsy that requires extensive daily support. Perhaps they fell very ill early in childhood or got into a car crash when they were teenagers and now have significant medical support needs. As a parent of a child...
How a special needs trust provides for your family
Suppose you have a loved one with special needs. Should your estate plan be any different? If you leave them your entire estate through a will, it may disqualify them from receiving medical benefits since their assets could be more than the limit set by the...
What to consider when naming a legal guardian for your children
Unless you and your spouse want to commit to never being in a car, airplane or boat together until your children are grown, there’s always a chance that something could happen that would leave your kids without parents. Even if you never left your home, there are no...
Why having a durable power of attorney is so important
At any point, you could get into a car crash or have a stroke that leaves you unconscious or unable to communicate with others. In that situation, you will be very vulnerable. You won't be able to handle your own financial matters, make decisions about your medical...
Have you addressed your residuary estate in your will?
Certain parts of the estate planning process can be exciting for the testator. Thinking about who should receive your major assets, like your main residence, your vacation home and your boat, can be a pleasant experience, as can discussing your legacy wishes with...
How does a pour-over will work with a trust?
Having a trust as part of your estate plan is no longer something reserved for the rich and famous. A lot of people are recognizing the value of trusts when it comes to reducing estate taxes, avoiding probate and passing wealth safely onto the next generation. So, if...
Is a business part of your estate?
As a business owner, one of the major assets that you own is your company. You're making your estate plan and considering what to do with things like investment portfolios, real estate and the physical assets that you own. But you know that you also have to have a...
2 important documents that take effect in medical emergencies
It is common for those planning their estates to focus on their death. Creating a will, making burial arrangements and making plans for their personal property will be the biggest priorities when they plan. However, a good estate plan should also cover medical care in...
Is your adult child ready to handle a large inheritance?
As you begin to think about developing an estate plan, you realize that you’re leaving your adult child a considerable amount of money and other assets. Whether you’ve accumulated them through hard work and smart investing or been fortunate enough to inherit them from...
