If you've been a reader of this blog, then you know that estate planning has many elements. Most people realize that wills and trusts make up a significant portion of an estate plan, but they are not by any means the documents that are needed in order to ensure that a...
trust & probate administration
Legal help can bring estate planning vision into reality
Recently on the blog we discussed how to handle hard assets such as heirlooms during the estate planning process. This can be a tricky subject to address, as it can involve multiple parties, each with their own interests. Many people who engage in estate planning try...
The difference between informal and formal probate
The probate process is something often affiliated with estate planning. Most people who think of probate don't really know much about it except that they want to avoid it. We hope that this post will help clarify the informal and formal probate process, as well as...
Stan Lee’s death illustrates need for estate plan considerations
Recently, Stan Lee, the comic book mogul best known for creating much of the Marvel universe, passed away at the age of 95. Lee's 68-year-old daughter is his only surviving family member, as his wife had proceeded him in passing. Now, many are considering how the...
Estate planning, long-term care, and long-term care insurance
Readers of this blog know that it is important to plan for the future. They also know that there are many aspects to estate planning. While much of the focus is on figuring out how to distribute assets upon one's death, there are also healthcare decisions that must be...
How to approach hard assets in estate planning
It doesn't take a scientist or skilled financial planner to realize that estate planning can be tricky. After all, individuals are forced to think about their own mortality and make financial decisions that can have a major impact on the lives of others. In many...
Consider legal help when changing an estate plan
Recently, this blog discussed estate planning in blended families. This post helps highlight the importance not only of initial estate planning, but also modifications of existing estates. After all, life changes all the time, and many of those changes can drastically...
Powers of attorney as part of an estate plan
Planning can be challenging for some, whether it is making plans for the weekend, next month, next year or at the end of his or her life. Estate planning can be an intricate process that allows you to dictate every detail of how your estate will be handled upon your...
The often neglected aspects of estate planning
Estate planning encompasses a lot of different things. For some, estate planning is nothing more than creating a basic will. For others, the process is more about preserving their legacy. This highlights one of the most important things about estate planning: it is...
Need competent estate planning? Look no further
A few weeks ago on the blog we discussed Aretha Franklin's estate and how it was not subjected to any wills or trusts. In short, Franklin neglected to engage in estate planning of any sort. This may leave her considerable estate open to dispute as well as increased...
