The general principles of estate planning are the same in every U.S. state, but each state has different tax laws and different regulations affecting wills and powers of attorney.
Equal is Equitable, Most of the Time
When it comes to deciding how to leave property to your children, the clearest choice is to divide everything into equal shares. That is the straightforward choice when all your children are doing equally well. But if not – if, for example, your son is a starving...
Wealth Transfer – Putting Yourself First
Wealth transfer is another name for giving away money, but before choosing recipients or heirs, consider your own present and future needs first.
Plan, Don’t Wait, for an Emergency
That sounds like something your mother might say, right? And how often have you wished that you’d followed mother’s good advice? Nobody really wants to think in advance about accidents or illness. But if no advance planning has been done, and if an elderly parent has...
Need-to-Knows for U.S. Veterans and Their Survivors
Veterans have many choices to sort through and many decisions to make on behalf of themselves, their spouses and children. Decisions must be made about life insurance, retirement benefits, and investments.
Why Your Property-Casualty Insurance Agent and Estate Planning Lawyer Need to Meet
You may never of thought of auto insurance as part of your estate plan, but you ought to…
Does Your Estate Plan Cover a Pandemic?
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) gave name to the disease-causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus disease 2019 shortly after became known by its abbreviation, CO for corona, VI for virus, D for disease, and 19 for the year...
Larry King’s Estate Plan Calls Attention to the Importance of Wills
Larry King’s holographic will serves as a reminder of the importance of periodically reviewing one’s estate plan, adapting to changed circumstances..
What is the Probate Process?
Probate is the legal process for authenticating a deceased person's will, reviewing their assets, paying their outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to their inheritors. After an asset-holder dies, the court will appoint a valid will's executor to...
Seven Bad Reasons to Put Off Estate Planning
1. My family and I don’t own much. Can’t we put off planning until we can afford it? You shouldn’t. It is crucial to give legal authority to a person of your choice, to care for your children if anything should happen to you. You don’t want your children to become...
