Family members can engage in disagreements that last for years. Some families consist of people existing at very different levels of success. Both of these factors are often taken into consideration during estate planning. They’re only two of the reasons someone might want to disinherit a family member. Sometimes, as heart breaking as it can be,...
Most investment and financial accounts allow the account holders to name beneficiaries to receive funds in the account upon the account holder’s death. To many of us, the forms that ask us to name beneficiaries may seem boilerplate, simple to complete, and not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. It may take just...
Trusts are a common, yet diverse, estate planning tool. There are trusts for different purposes, with different terms and provisions. Some trusts, called testamentary trusts, are created by the settlor’s Will after his or her death. But many trusts are established during the lifetime of the settlor. When you consider establishing a trust, it’s important to...
Dave and Eleanor Watson headed up a family of four children, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Their success in life had enabled them to amass a modest fortune that they hoped would benefit their family for future generations. They established a family limited partnership to manage their wealth. Dave and Eleanor also hoped their family...
People may want to revoke their estate planning documents for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’ve become estranged from the friend or family member you named as your personal representative or agent. Or you’ve decided to give your estate assets to a new set of beneficiaries and want the change to happen now. Knowing how and...
There are important Estate Planning Lessons to be learned from The President of the United States, one of the most powerful individuals in the world. The power held by this office (and the corresponding pressure) is mindboggling to the average person. Attention to detail, given the number of issues presidents consider, is critical. Presidential Life and...
Every trust contains a trust maker, a trustee, and at least one beneficiary. Trusts vary, however, in why and how they are established. Before creating and funding a trust, it’s important to know a little about the different types of trusts. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the difference between revocable trusts and irrevocable...
Sometimes, simple is not best. Estate planning should be tailored to meet the needs of your life, and sometimes that life is complicated. High Net Worth estate planning strategies may be right for you. Basic estate planning is . . . A simple plan typically includes a Will, a durable power of attorney, a healthcare power...
Trusts have been a powerful, yet evolving, estate planning tool for a long time. As trusts have changed, the need for extra protection and a way to modify trusts became apparent. Trust protectors, sometimes also known as Trust Advisors, may meet both needs. Just as it’s important to understand the type of trust that is appropriate...
Tightrope walkers need a safety net. Fire fighters also may use them when rescuing people from a burning building. It may surprise you to learn that even your estate planning may benefit from a safety net of sorts. A pour-over Will may prevent your assets from falling into the probate abyss or being devoured by estate...
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