As you age, your life changes in many ways. Sometimes, you're excited about the direction you're heading. Other times, you're disappointed in something that happened and searching for ways to make it right.Regardless of the life circumstances you're dealing with, it's...
Year: 2020
What are a fiduciary’s responsibilities?
There are many types of professionals that are considered to be fiduciaries, including attorneys, real estate agents or brokers, accountants, business advisers, bankers and financial advisers. Then there are others such as trustees and executors that don't necessarily...
What you could ask when making health care choices for someone
When your loved one asked you to serve as his or her health care proxy, you may have felt trusted and hoped you would never have to fulfill the role. Then recently, you got the news you hoped you would never hear -- your loved one can no longer make decisions for him-...
Consider a living trust for these reasons
When creating or modifying your estate plan, consider every option that's available to you. By taking this approach, you reduce the risk of making a mistake that could complicate matters for your loved ones in the future.Many people overlook the benefits of a living...
Were you named a beneficiary in a will?
You may know for a fact that you are named as a beneficiary in someone's will. For example, your parents may have made it clear to you that you are their sole beneficiary.Just the same, there are times when you may be surprised to find that you're someone's...
Long-term care planning should be part of your estate plan
Estate planning has a way of confusing people. Many people focus so much time on their assets and distribution upon their death that they overlook other details of importance.For example, long-term care planning should be a big part of your estate plan. Without this,...
Durable financial power of attorney: Choose the right agent
In the event of incapacitation, you want to know that there is someone who can step in to manage your finances. Furthermore, you want to know that the court won't make this decision on your behalf.A durable financial power of attorney allows you to name an agent. This...
The difficult decision to disinherit a child
There is no predicting how family relationships will turn out as children grow into adults and find their own ways. You may be living proof of this if your adult children are living lives that are very different from what you had hoped and planned for them. Perhaps...
What happens if a beneficiary dies during the probate process?
If you've been appointed as the executor of someone's estate, then you've likely already been advised by the testator, their attorney or a judge just how long it can take to adjudicate a case. The probate process can take anywhere from weeks to years to see it through...
Do you believe these estate planning myths?
There is no denying the fact that there is a lot of gray areas associated with estate planning. Even if you have a good working knowledge of estate planning, your legal rights and federal and state laws, you could still make a mistake that costs you and/or your...