Creating an estate plan is a bit like going to the dentist; in that most of us know we should do it, but there's always an excuse to put if off a little while longer. In fact, over half of all Americans have yet to create an estate plan. One common excuse people give for not having an estate plan is they don't yet need one. So, when should you talk to an estate planning attorney about creating your estate plan? The answer is simple. Every adult should have at least a basic estate plan in place. … [Read more...] about When Should You Talk to an Estate Planning Attorney about Creating Your Estate Plan?
Estate Planning
Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush (1924-2018) 41st President of the United States, 1989-1993 Political Life In the words of President Harry Truman and President Ronald Reagan, "There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.” President George H.W. Bush embodied these words. In his early life, H.W. became one of the youngest aviators in the Navy, graduated from Yale University, and reached millionaire status all before the age of 40. As the President of the … [Read more...] about Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? George H.W. Bush
Incapacity Planning – 5 Important Reasons Why You Need an Incapacity Plan
Estate planning is something the many people put off. In fact, surveys show that less than half of all Americans have an estate plan in place. Even fewer have a comprehensive estate plan that includes an incapacity plan. People put off creating an estate plan for a variety of reasons. Many of those same reasons are given when asked why an individual does not have an incapacity plan in place. At the top of the list of explanations are “I don’t need one”, “I don’t want to dwell on my … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning – 5 Important Reasons Why You Need an Incapacity Plan
What Is an Executor?
The cornerstone of any estate plan is a Last Will and Testament. When you create your Will you will have to make a number of very important decisions. You may assume that all of these decisions relate to the division of your assets upon your death; however, there is another decision that must be made when you create your Will that is likely of more importance than you realize-the appointment of an executor. Unfortunately, most people give very little thought to the appointment of an executor … [Read more...] about What Is an Executor?
Choosing a Guardian for Your Child
When most people think about their Last Will and Testament, they think about a division of their wealth after death. While your Will certainly does accomplish that goal, it can do other things as well such as nominate a guardian for your minor children. In the event that neither you nor the child’s other parent is able to care for the child, this person will do so, meaning that your choice of guardian should be made after careful consideration and deliberation. Consider the following tips when … [Read more...] about Choosing a Guardian for Your Child
Pass the Mic and the Guardianship
Often times, parents with young children disagree over who should be appointed as guardian of their children should something happen to the parents. The husband wants someone in his family to serve in that role, and the wife wants someone in her family. There is no need to fight about it. You can compromise. In this case, you can actually learn a valuable estate planning lesson from a member of the Beastie Boys. Adam Yauch, better known as MCA, passed away in May 2012, leaving behind a wife and … [Read more...] about Pass the Mic and the Guardianship
Do Not Limit Your Options
Most people do not have a difficult time determining what they want to happen with their property and assets after they pass away. You know who you want to have your stuff. For this reason, some people decide that they can make their own estate plans. They purchase a Will from an online source and fill in the blanks. However, there is a problem with that line of thought: estate planning is not about who you want to have your stuff. Estate planning is about how to go about giving people your … [Read more...] about Do Not Limit Your Options
Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust?
Do you want to get a Revocable Living Trust? Do you need one? These are two of the most common questions that people ask themselves when they are planning their estates because Revocable Living Trusts are very popular estate planning instruments. The answers to the questions are not a simple matter of asking what other people have done, however. Instead, you need to determine what you want to accomplish with your estate plan first. Then, you can answer the questions. If your primary goal in … [Read more...] about Do You Need a Revocable Living Trust?
Protect Your Relatives From Abuse
Have you talked to your elderly family members recently? Being old is not always fun. We all see pictures of retirement communities. They always have smiling senior citizens that look happier than any person has the right to be. However, the reality is that most people are lonely and isolated in the later years of their lives. Your elderly family members could benefit from hearing from you, if only for a few minutes. There is another benefit besides the emotional one that your elderly relatives … [Read more...] about Protect Your Relatives From Abuse
Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
Princess Diana (1961-1997) - Children’s Activist Diana Frances Spencer is a wonderful example of someone utilizing their wealth to create a lasting legacy. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Diana became known as the "Peoples Princess" due to her warmth and tireless work for a variety of charities. She represented the International Red Cross and has been praised for her support for battered women and the homeless. Among other causes, she was the voice for victims of AIDS and land mines. A prime … [Read more...] about Famous Estates – Legacy Champ or Chump?
