The idea of leaving your property to your heirs might seem straightforward. You make a will or a trust, you do a transfer-on-death deed for your real estate, you put your kids on your bank account, you designate beneficiaries for…
Growing numbers of people with disabilities live in the United States, and planning for an adult child’s future well-being is a responsive, continuous process. A Journal of the American Medical Association reports the life expectancy of adults with Down Syndrome…
How can you ensure your financial well-being when you are unable to? A power of attorney (POA), otherwise known as an agent to your principal, has the legal authority to represent and make decisions on your behalf. What characteristics should…
57% of U.S. adults do not have a Last Will & Testament (a “Will”), according to Care.com’s estate planning survey. The survey found that participants were more likely or less likely to have a Will depending on issues such as…
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…
The time spent in a family vacation home is very enjoyable for many families. This kind of property is meant to be shared with family and friends, and often there is a desire to keep ownership within the family for…
In the wake of the loss of a spouse or long-term partner, it can be difficult to think of anything other than your grieving. However, it is crucial to understand there are important and timely decisions you need to make…
Despite its negative reputation, probate can sometimes be avoided or minimized with thoughtful estate planning. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what probate is in conjunction…
When it comes to distributing your assets in your estate plan, life insurance may not seem relevant at first glance. However, life insurance can be an integral, indispensably important part of a well-thought-out estate plan. There are numerous other benefits…
The thought of our own death is one of the most challenging things we will ever face. Yet it is very important to think carefully about the medical treatment we would want for that challenging time. Medical technology can now…
