As we know, a will is an essential element of estate planning. When a person creates a will, he or she usually assumes that their estate planning needs are completed. Peace of mind along with a smooth transition is on the way, or so you think. However, just because...
Year: 2020
The way that the probate process works
Your mother’s death was not unexpected. Still, you and the rest of your family are overcome with grief. But, now, it is time to settle her estate. Thankfully, she was prepared by discussing her estate plan, going over the will with you and letting you know where it...
Estate Planning Myths
Estate planning may not be on your radar. It can often feel like a mysterious and complex legal process only reserved for the ultra-rich or elderly. But these are just a few myths surrounding the estate planning process. Many people have misconceptions about estate...
Retirement and estate planning: It’s time for a review
You look forward to the day when you can finally retire. You've earned it, and now it's your time to live it up.At this point in your life, many things are changing. Your financial circumstances will be different than ever before. Just the same, you may be in the...
Not all assets are subject to probate
As an heir or beneficiary, it's important that you have a clear understanding of what to expect during the probate process. This goes a long way in putting your mind at ease, while also helping you make informed decisions.If the deceased individual had a will, not a...
Should you consider do-it-yourself (DIY) estate planning?
We live in a DIY world, so it's only natural to consider the pros and cons of tackling estate planning without professional help.While this option is available to you, there are several reasons why you should think twice before going down this path: You don't know...
What traits should you consider in a power of attorney agent?
Putting someone in charge of your personal affairs in the event that you cannot act for yourself is an important but difficult task. Anyone could suffer a serious illness or injury that results in incapacitation, and knowing that a trustworthy and responsible person...
Questions that’ll challenge you when creating an estate plan
When creating an estate plan, you hope that everything goes as planned, but you know that you're likely to face challenges.Fortunately, there's nothing you can't overcome with the right approach and some guidance. Here are some of the many questions that'll challenge...
Avoid estate litigation by picking the right will executor
Executors have many responsibilities. Some of them include selling your property, filing lawsuits on your behalf, paying creditors, distributing assets and reviewing medical records. Not everyone is an ideal candidate to be the executor of an estate. The person has to...
Here’s why people make estate planning mistakes
When it comes to your estate plan, you never want to find that you made a mistake. The only good part of pinpointing a mistake is that it puts you in a position to fix it before it causes harm in the future.People make estate planning mistakes for a variety of...