Category: Estate Planning

Losing a loved one is a very difficult experience, especially if it is a parent or other close member of one’s family of origin or choice. The grief that people experience may affect their behavior for months and could even leave to permanent changes in their personality. Sometimes, the pain of losing someone becomes harder...

Parents often leave the bulk of their estate to their adult children – especially if their spouse has predeceased them or they’re divorced. However, an adult child typically doesn’t have a legal claim to any of a parent’s assets if that parent didn’t include them in their will or other part of their estate plan...

A situation may arise in the future where you become incapacitated. You need medical decisions to be made, but you can’t do it yourself. This is one of the major reasons why people will begin the estate planning process. They want a plan in place in case this scenario plays out. But there are multiple...

A good estate plan, including a will, can help ensure that your final wishes are fulfilled after you pass away. For example, your will could clarify that your assets will be distributed to your spouse, children, siblings or loved ones. This can greatly help grieving family members get through the difficult time following your death....

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can create. By drafting and signing a will, you are not only taking control of your legacy but you are also potentially safeguarding your loved ones’ futures. But your will can also become the subject of costly legal battles. Obviously, the last thing you...

No one wants to think about losing their parents, no matter what age they are. Estate planning can be a sensitive subject and a difficult one to bring up — especially if your parents are reluctant to discuss the issue or feel overwhelmed by the prospect.  While an uncomfortable conversation to have, it’s a necessary...

A will is a legal document that outlines what happens to a person’s estate after they pass away. A trust is much like a will. It helps determine where assets are distributed after someone dies. Initially, you may believe that a will is better than a trust. After all, it seems like a trust only...

If you have a health crisis and you stop breathing, you believe that no more steps should be taken. You do not want the medical team to resuscitate you. Maybe you have religious reasons for thinking that this is a valuable position, or perhaps you just think that resuscitation is delaying the inevitable at that...

Creating a comprehensive estate plan enables you to provide instructions about who will get what when you pass away. You can do this through a will, but that has to go through the probate process. A better option for some people is to establish trusts, which don’t go through the probate process. All trusts are...

A power of attorney (POA) document enables you to designate someone that will act on your behalf in your absence, like when you are mentally or physically incapacitated. Such an eventuality may arise after a sudden illness or accident that leaves you unable to make sound decisions. The person you give power of attorney is known as...