Category: Estate Planning

An executor is a person who is responsible for administering the testator’s estate once they pass away. The executor of the estate is typically named in a will before the testator’s death. There’s a lot that an executor has to accomplish to settle an estate. It may behoove the testator to discuss certain matters with their executor....

Many Americans view pets as cherished members of their families. They provide them with love, care and attention throughout their lives, just as they would any other family member. Yet, many adults who care for pets in devoted ways don’t take time to consider what might happen to their dear companions in the event that...

Adults in Louisiana have the right to put together estate plans that address their personal wishes for their care as they age and the distribution of their assets after they die. Families that have just lost a loved one are often grateful that the decedent had the foresight to put together documents outlining their wishes...

People sometimes think that, once they have an estate plan in place, they can forget about it. They know that it’s important to make the plan, but they consider making it to be the only step they really have to take. After that, their financial future is secure. But this can be a major mistake....

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...