The term homestead may seem like a throwback to pioneer days, but homestead exemption laws are directly relevant to today’s estate planning and can play a valuable role in a modern plan. Almost every state has some form of homestead exemption law primarily focused on reducing property taxes and protecting home equity from creditors. While the best-known […]
Do you own your home, other property, or a financial account with someone else, like a spouse, adult child, or someone not related to you by blood or marriage? If so, you might be surprised that a common way of owning property could create future problems for your loved ones. There are several forms of joint […]
Whether a loved one’s passing was expected, due to prolonged illness, or it happens unexpectedly, their passing is always a shock, often leaving behind questions of “what now?” among the survivors. If you have been named the person responsible for managing a loved one’s affairs, after there death, commonly called an executor or administrator (if your loved […]
A foster child may enter your life through the court system, an agency, or your extended family. No matter how it starts, the relationship can become deeply personal, with a strong feeling the child is yours. However, the law does not always see the relationship this way for inheritance purposes. If you die without estate planning, […]
Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on common misconceptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From who can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can stand between you and a secure future. Let’s debunk these widespread misconceptions and reveal […]
Yes, everyone needs an estate plan, regardless of whether that plan is centered around a will or a trust. These important tools ensure that your legacy will be carried out according to your wishes. They will allow you to provide for loved ones after your passing. A properly prepared trust can also help avoid probate, which […]
A revocable living trust can serve as a valuable estate planning tool to help ensure that your finances remain well managed if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your affairs while you are alive) and to provide future financial security for your loved ones upon your passing. However, merely signing the trust agreement does not complete […]
Ask any estate planning attorney and many will admit a main goal of clients it to avoid probate. Even in states where the process is quicker and easier, probate tends to remain something of a boogeyman. Today, many people use tools such as revocable living trust instead of a will, joint ownership, or beneficiary designation as the […]
You have just received your orders, and you will be deployed shortly. No matter how soon you are leaving, there is still time to ensure that your affairs are in order. Review or Prepare a Family Care Plan. Regardless of the branch of the military in which you are serving, you may be required to complete […]
The allure of a foreign land—perhaps where the weather is milder, the pace of life slower, and the cost of living lower—is a dream for many Americans who want to escape our country’s fast-paced, high-cost living. That dream can become a reality, and a tangible investment, for Americans who purchase a home overseas. Wealthy individuals are […]
