Creating an estate plan is a great way for many people to pass down their assets to loved ones, but some decide to exclude certain family members from their will or trust. For example, some parents do not want to leave anything for one of their children. This is often...
Year: 2020
What should you not include in your will?
Drafting a will as part of your estate plan is something that most people know they should do. It helps your heirs get the things you want them to have after your death. However, there are some things that a will does not do. Understanding what does not serve a...
Is a DIY will a good idea?
There are many things that you can easily do yourself without having to hire a professional. In general, though, anything related to the law requires the help of an attorney who has the education and experience to understand the law and ensure you protect yourself....
Helping your family member with their estate plan
When it comes to estate plans, there are many ways in which wills and trusts affect entire families. If you have an estate plan, you likely know how difficult it often is to name beneficiaries or decide how to distribute assets among beneficiaries. These plans impact...
What are the misconceptions about estate planning?
Estate planning, while important, is something widely misunderstood by many adults. Estate planning is a crucial part of life planning, according to Forbes. The misconceptions about estate plans often lead people to procrastinate on said plans or to forego an estate...
When does a will really become necessary?
If you are like many young, single and healthy individuals, creating a will may never have even crossed your mind. After all, wills are for the elderly and wealthy, right? Though the latter misconception is false, it is also untrue to assert that anyone over the age...
How do you become a guardian of a minor?
When learning about guardianship, it may appear overwhelming at first. Either as someone seeking to be a responsible guardian or as a parent seeking a guardian to act in their place, you want what is best for your child. The process of becoming a legal guardian is...
The probate timeline: What to expect
People often paint probate in a negative light, but it is a beneficial process. It helps to solidify your loved one’s wishes and enables the executor to take the time to properly close the estate. If you have recently lost a parent and feel incredibly lost about what...
Why do you need a trust?
You may wonder why some people have a trust, and whether you should have a trust. There are lots of different kinds of trust. There could be a trust that is created through a will, a family trust that is created before you are even born, and there can be husband and...
What are some helpful tips for being a guardian?
If the court names you the guardian of another person, whether an adult or child, it is a huge responsibility. You become the person who must take care of that person’s best interests. You must look out for him or her and do everything possible to ensure he or she has...