It can be difficult for a parent to think about a situation where he or she is no longer able to care for their child. However, it can be helpful to designate a guardian who can step in and make decisions for the child if needed. There are some factors parents can...
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Estate Planning
Why should I update my estate plan?
For those of us that have taken the time to make an estate plan, we know how good completing that task makes us feel. It is like having insurance. Not only is it a sound financial decision, but also provides piece of mind for the inevitable. What many may not realize...
The value of talking to your parents about estate planning
Estate planning can be a painful subject to discuss with one’s parents because it is about what happens after they are no longer alive. Many people do not have any sort of an estate plan and it is not even something that enters into their thinking. When your parents...
I’m getting a divorce: what should I do with my will?
As if you don’t have enough to think about when going through a divorce, your will is one thing that needs to be addressed. Too many people forget about it and the impact a divorce can have upon their wishes. What it comes down to is this: either you make the changes...
A closer look at incentive trusts
Many individuals who engage in estate planning worry that the assets that they worked hard to accumulate will be squandered away or otherwise taken advantage of by their loved ones. This is an understandable fear. After all, you want what’s best for your loved ones....
Two ways to control your estate long after you’re gone
On its face, estate planning may seem relatively simple. However, the estate plan that you need to truly suit your needs may be more complicated then you think. This shouldn’t deter you from creating an estate plan, of course. After all, as we’ve discussed previously...
What should I consider revisiting in my estate plan?
It is a good idea to routinely review an estate plan to ensure it is up-to-date. Life changes which means that parts of an estate plan may need to be updated as well. It is helpful for estate planners to know what components of their estate plan they should consider...
5 essential items to include in your estate plan
While most people understand many benefits result from creating a will to distribute their property after they die, only about four out of every 10 Americans have created an estate plan. Wills and trusts are key parts, but a comprehensive estate plan contains many...
Will an online will service actually save you money? Maybe not.
We’ve seen the low prices. Only $69 for a will -- as long as you do it yourself using an online tool. That seems so much less expensive than what you might spend going to an experienced estate planning attorney -- but a lot could go wrong. Up to half of all Americans...
If someone dies without a will, who gets their belongings?
It’s a question we all have to consider at one point or another. After I’m gone, what do I want to happen to all of my stuff? Many people use a will to help answer this question. But what happens if someone dies without a will? Will their loved ones still inherit the...