Among the many forms available to estate planners, Wills are probably the document with which most people are familiar. Right behind that are trusts, which allow you to place your property and assets into one place where you may enjoy them during your lifetime and then be easily passed on to your beneficiaries when the time comes. A trust becomes living when it is drafted, signed, and used while the original Read More
Understanding the Explanatory Letter
Everyone, no matter the size of your estate, is encouraged to draft an estate plan that includes Wills, trusts, and other essential estate-planning documents. An effective estate plan ensures that your beneficiaries get the inheritance you intend for them to receive, as well as naming a personal representative (called an executor) to carry out the wishes in accordance with your last Will and testament. If you have Read More
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Power of Attorney
Power of attorney is a common tool used in estate planning and one you are likely familiar with if you have given any thought about how to handle your estate and end-of-life situation. The two power of attorney types are healthcare and financial. Within those two categories, there are varying levels of authority you may grant your agent – limited, durable, general, and springing. Between all those options, it is Read More
What You Need to Know About Healthcare Directives
A healthcare directive is any legal document with instructions for others to follow regarding medical care you wish to have at the end of your life, or in the event of a debilitating illness or injury. It is often called an advance healthcare directive because it is drafted in advance of your need for it to be executed. The primary purpose of this is to let your loved ones know how to proceed with end-of-life care, Read More
Understanding How Your Debts are Handled After You Pass Away
Estate planning is an important legal process where you decide what you want to happen to your various assets now, and after you pass away. While most people look primarily at how they want to protect their assets, who they want to get things, and how loved ones will be cared for, that is really just one component. For many people, the estate is also going to be responsible for handling all existing debts. It is Read More
What Happens if Someone Passes Away Without an Estate Plan?
If you have an aging parent or other close loved one it can be uncomfortable to talk about the eventuality of their death. For many people, this discomfort results in people dying without having properly conveyed their wishes regarding what they want to happen when they are gone. This is done through a process known as estate planning and can help ensure their final wishes are honored, while also making the entire Read More
4 Things to Consider When Updating Your Estate Plan
For many people, once they have an estate plan in place, it is assumed that they are set for life. While establishing an estate plan is essential, you will still need to update it from time to time to ensure it reflects your current situation. For most people, it is a good idea to update their estate plan either every couple of years, or whenever there is a major change in your situation. When updating an estate Read More
4 Reasons a Will Might be Contested
When someone first hears about what is included in the Will of a recently deceased loved one, it is not uncommon for there to be surprise and disappointment. People often expect more than they actually get as an inheritance. Just because someone doesn’t like the contents of a Will, however, does not mean that it is invalid or can be successfully contested. The courts typically uphold the wishes listed in a Will Read More
Understanding Florida Inheritance Rights
When a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to deal with the various steps that need to be taken. Handling issues related to inheritance can be difficult in the best of times, but it can be overwhelming while you are also grieving the loss of your loved one. Understanding the various inheritance laws and rights in the state of Florida will help ensure you know what to expect and that everything will go as Read More
5 Things a Will Can’t Do
Practically everyone has been told at one point or another that it is important to have a Last Will and Testament in place once they are an adult. A Will offers many important benefits both for you and for your loved ones. There is really no doubt that whether you are still fairly young or you are well into your golden years, you should have a Will. That being said, however, it is also important to know that for most Read More