Living Trusts and Probate Avoidance
You want your money and property to go to your loved ones when you die, not to the courts, lawyers or the government. Unfortunately, unless you’ve done proper estate planning, ...
Treating Children Fairly Does Not Necessarily Mean Equally
Treating Children Fairly Does Not Necessarily Mean Equally Most parents want to treat their children fairly in their estate planning, and many assume that means having their children inherit equally. ...
Can I Get In Trouble with the IRS for Trying to Reduce the Amount of Estate Tax that I Owe?
You’ve likely heard that one of the many benefits of estate planning is reducing the amount of federal, and state, taxes owed upon your passing. While it may seem like ...
A Shared Home but Not a Joint Deed
A Shared Home but Not a Joint Deed Many people erroneously assume that when one spouse dies, the other spouse receives all of the remaining assets; this is often not ...
Organize Information for Your Family
Think for a few moments about what would happen if you suddenly became incapacitated or died. Would your spouse or family know what to do? Would they know where to ...
Young Adults Need Estate Planning, Too
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the legal ability to make decisions for their child or even to find out basic information. Learning you cannot see your college student’s ...
Overview of the Ways to Hold Title to Property
You are purchasing a home, and the escrow officer asks, “How do you want to hold title to the property?” In the context of your overall home purchase, this may seem like a small, inconsequential detail; however nothing could be further from the truth.
Overview of Life Estates
Establishing a Life Estate is a relatively simple process in which you transfer your property to your children, while retaining your right to use and live in the property. Life ...
Coordinating Property Ownership and Your Estate Plan
When planning your estate, you must consider how you hold title to your real and personal property. The title and your designated beneficiaries will control how your real estate, bank ...
Naming a Guardian for Your Minor Children
Parents with minor children need to name someone to raise them (a guardian) in the event both parents should die before the child becomes an adult. While the likelihood of ...