Wills Archives - Page 28 of 29

Why Your Estate Planning Project Must Morph into a Process from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen

Liz Nielsen / December 28, 2017

Many people put their estate plan on their to-do list as a one-time project: “Create estate plan” or “Meeting with lawyer 10:30 a.m. Thursday for estate plan.”

Thinking of your estate plan as a single project or task to complete and move off your list is a common approach – but it’s also an approach that can land you in considerable hot water. Here’s why it’s essential to view your estate plan as a process, rather than a project.

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Estate Planning: Why Me, Why Now, and Is a Will Enough? from Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen

Liz Nielsen / December 21, 2017

You have worked hard for years, have family members and friends you care about, and have approached a time in your life when “estate planning” sounds like something you should do, but you are not exactly sure why. You may feel that you are not wealthy enough or not old enough to bother or care. Or you may already have a Will and feel that you are all set on that front. Whatever your current position, consider these common misconceptions about estate planning.

Overwhelmed executor by Austin Texas Probate Lawyer Liz Nielsen

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3 Tips for Overwhelmed Executors by Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen

Liz Nielsen / December 7, 2017

While it is an honor to be named as an executor of a will or estate, it can also be a sobering and daunting responsibility. Being an executor (sometimes called an administrator) requires a high level of organization, foresight, and attention to detail to meet responsibilities and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the assets to which they are entitled. If you’ve found yourself in the position of “overwhelmed executor,” here are some tips to lighten the load.

Frequent Flyer Miles Estate Plan Austin Estate Planning Laywer

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Can you Bequeath Your Frequent Flyer Miles? From Austin Estate Planning Lawyer Liz Nielsen

Liz Nielsen / November 20, 2017

If you’re a frequent airline traveler, one of your estate planning concerns may be what will happen to your accumulated miles once you’re gone. They could be worth thousands of dollars, so you probably don’t want them to just disappear, but some airline policies say that’s exactly what will happen.

Military Family Estate Planning Austin Texas

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Estate Planning for Military Families

Liz Nielsen / November 6, 2017

With Veteran’s Day approaching, it is important to honor those that have served our country. This time is also a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up an – or revising an existing – estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members are deployed overseas. Beyond this, members of the military have access to special benefits and resources. This can become complicated and, for this reason, it is important that you seek special help if you are a military family.

Austin Texas Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

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5 Reasons to Embrace the Emotional Side of Estate Planning

Liz Nielsen / November 2, 2017

When you hear the phrase “estate plan,” you might first think about paperwork. Or your mind might land on some of the uncomfortable topics that estate planning confronts head-on: end-of-life decisions, incapacity, and your family’s legacy from generation to generation. Those subjects hit home for everyone.

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If I Don’t Have an Estate, Do I Really Need an Estate Plan?

Liz Nielsen / October 23, 2017

Even if you wouldn’t ordinarily consider yourself the owner of an estate, it’s quite likely that you are.

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It’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week

Liz Nielsen / October 19, 2017

This week is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Make sure your ducks are in a row by getting your estate plan in order.

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New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan

Liz Nielsen / October 16, 2017

Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. The reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to start, or fear of contemplating death. Whatever the reason for not putting an estate plan together, it is important to understand that if you just had a baby – now is the time to meet with an estate planning attorney to implement a plan.

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Does Your Estate Plan Protect Your Adult Beneficiaries?

Liz Nielsen / October 9, 2017

If you think you only need to create discretionary lifetime trusts for young beneficiaries, problem beneficiaries, or financially inexperienced beneficiaries, then think again. In this day and age of frivolous lawsuits and high divorce rates, discretionary lifetime trusts should be considered for all of your beneficiaries, minor and adult alike.

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Attorney Liz Nielsen