4 Things Trusts Can Do That Wills Can’t
Both wills and trusts are estate planning documents used to pass on wealth and property to loved ones upon death. However, trusts come with some distinct advantages over wills that you should consider when creating your plan. That said, when comparing the two planning tools, you won’t necessarily be choosing between one or the other—most […]
Pet Trusts Offer Protection For Your Beloved Companions
If you’re an animal lover and have a pet of your own, you likely consider your pet to be a member of the family. And since your pets can provide protection, emotional support, and unconditional love, such consideration is often well deserved. In stark contrast, the law considers your pet nothing more than personal property. […]
4 Reasons Why You Can’t Afford to Go Without An Estate Plan
When it comes to putting off or refusing to create an estate plan, your mind can concoct all sorts of rationalizations: “I won’t care because I’ll be dead,” “I’m too young,” “That won’t happen to me,” or “My family will know what to do.” But these thoughts all come from a mix of pride, denial, […]
Use Estate Planning to Enrich Your Family With More Than Just Material Wealth
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] In the weeks before her death from ovarian cancer, author Amy Krouse Rosenthal gave her husband Jason one of the most treasured gifts a person could receive. She penned the touching essay “You May Want to Marry My Husband” in the New York Times as a final love letter to him. The essay took […]
When Something is NOT Better Than Nothing—Part 2
Last week, we shared the first part of this series discussing the hidden dangers of do-it-yourself estate planning. In part two, we cover one of the greatest risks posed by DIY documents. You might think you can save time and money by using do-it-yourself estate planning documents you find online. You’re probably anxious to check […]
When Something is NOT Better Than Nothing—Part 1
Go online, and you’ll find tons of websites offering do-it-yourself estate planning documents. Such forms are typically quite inexpensive. Simple wills, for example, are often priced under $50, and you can complete and print them out in a matter of minutes. It’s no surprise that this kind of thing might seem like a good deal […]
Estate Planning Essentials for Parents
A comprehensive estate plan can protect the things that matter most. For many, this means their property and their family. Including provisions for the care of your children in your estate plan is essential for peace of mind. But many parents struggle with including such provisions as naming a legal guardian for their child in […]
Will Your Estate Plan Actually Work When Your Family Needs It?
If you’re like most people, you likely think estate planning is just one more task to check off of your life’s endless “to-do” list. You may shop around and find a lawyer to create planning documents for you, or you might try creating your own DIY plan using online documents. Then, you’ll put those documents […]