Estate Planning

When establishing a trust, there are instances when a person leaves out assets, whether intentionally or not. Some grantors purposefully do not include assets in a trust because it would be disadvantageous. For instance, insurance companies charge higher premiums for...

The events following a death could be unpredictable. Their family might need time and space to grieve or settle essentials following the loss. Additionally, they might face unique legal matters concerning the deceased's estate. The estate could undergo various...

Estate planning does more than designate assets to beneficiaries. The documents you include in your plan will protect all your wishes should you become incapacitated or die. And one of them is a power of attorney (POA), which authorizes someone to act on your behalf,...

Those who have just had children are often keenly aware of how their new family members are totally dependent on the adults in their lives. Infants and toddlers are incapable of meeting their own needs and require 24/7 support from adults just to stay alive. Older...

A life insurance trust is a powerful tool in estate planning that can ensure your loved ones are financially secure after your passing. Some individuals know they need to have life insurance, but they don’t realize how a life insurance trust can benefit them. A life...

An uncomfortable but crucial part of estate planning is creating directives regarding your preferred medical care should you become incapacitated. These advance health care directives allow you to continue making your own medical decisions—with the help of an...

There are certain times in life when it becomes necessary to update estate planning documents. If a beneficiary dies before a testator, removing them from the estate plan will often be necessary to keep the documents valid and up-to-date. If someone divorces, they...

People often believe that estate planning is something they can put off until they’re older. Maybe they decide that they’ll make a plan when they retire, for instance. The truth is that everyone could have an estate plan. Any legal adult needs to have a plan in place....

More Americans than ever have come to appreciate the peace of self-directing their own medical care and treatment. Knowing they have a say in their healthcare, whether sick or healthy, gives people a sense of lasting empowerment. Those diagnosed with a severe or...

Powers of attorney are among the most important protective estate planning documents people draft. Even relatively young adults just over the age of 18 would benefit from having such documents in place as they help individuals secure financial and medical support when...