Death of a Loved One
A Signed and Sealed – But Not Delivered – Beneficiary Form Doesn’t Count
A beneficiary form is one of the most helpful estate planning tools, but don’t make the mistake of not filing. Even if the form is signed and sealed, it will not be accepted by your financial institution if it is not filed—unintentionally leaving your loved ones out in the cold despite your good intentions. Read more…
Taking Digital Assets into Consideration in Estate Planning
Ever wonder what will happen to your digital assets when you pass away? The topic is becoming increasingly relevant as more of us use online accounts, and it’s important to have a plan. Read more…
Ways to Avoid Probate
Avoiding the probate process can save time and money when settling your estate. Learn three things you can to do make the process easier for your loved ones after you’re gone. Read more…
It Might Be Time to Revise Your Will
One thing in life is certain – there will be many changes along the way. Having a will is an important tool to make sure your assets are handled according to your wishes. It’s important to periodically revise this document as your life changes. Read more…
Revocable Trusts, Wills, and Dealing with Probate
You have various strategies to choose from when planning how you would like your assets to be distributed and your wishes carried out when you pass. You’ll likely choose to have a living trust or a will – but it’s important to understand probate. Read more…
You Have Been Named Executor of a Will – Now What?
Being named the executor of an estate is an honor, but it can also be an overwhelming responsibility. It’s important to understand everything you will be responsible for to ensure your loved one’s wishes are carried out as intended. Read more…
Peace of Mind Provided by Prepaid Funeral Plans Might Be Misleading
To relieve their families of the burden of planning a funeral, many people plan and pay for them in advance. Unfortunately, prepaid funeral plans are fraught with potential traps. Read more…
The Risks of Using Joint Tenancy to Avoid Probate
Owning assets jointly with one or more children or other heirs is a common estate planning “shortcut.” But like many shortcuts, it can produce unintended—and costly—consequences. Read more…
Estate Administration – The Devil is in the Details, Part Three
Unfortunately, many individuals never create a will or trust, leaving their relatives with the responsibility not only of handling their estate but of doing their best to guess what their parent or loved one would have want Read more…
Estate Administration – The Devil is in the Details, Part Two
Handling the administration of an estate after a loved one’s death can be daunting. If your loved one created an estate plan, this will help immensely, but the mechanics of gathering, transferring, and tracking property can still be a bit confusing. Read more…