What’s the difference and why do you need both? Often clients ask, “If a Trust is more effective in transferring my assets, why do I need both?” A will and a Trust go hand-in-hand. We will explain below why you need both and how we can help. The most important difference between a Will and … continue reading the entire article
Wills are documents that allow you to determine to whom your assets are distributed after your passing. A will also indicate who will be the executor of your estate. According to Legal Zoom, it is estimated that about 50 – 60 percent of Americans do not have a will. Continue reading to find out why you should hire an attorney to create your will.
While we cannot control the next catastrophe, what we can do is prepare to be in a better position to care for our families, finances, and medical decisions in emergency situations.
When you receive a gift from someone’s estate, you can refuse to accept the gift for any reason. This is called “disclaiming” the gift. When you disclaim a gift, you have no right to decide who gets it. Instead, the inheritance will pass on to the next beneficiary listed. Once the decision is made and legally filed, it is not revocable.
Assets can be placed directly into a living trust to avoid probate, but also in some situations, you may choose to instead transfer the property by beneficiary deed. A beneficiary deed lists who the owner wants to inherit the property after his/her death. The new deed must be signed and recorded with the office of … continue reading the entire article
Every business owner knows that building a business takes dedication, commitment, hard work, sacrifice, sweat equity, and yes, a little luck. There is nothing quite like the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from owning a successful business, whether it is a partnership or a family-owned one. To maintain the fruits of your labor, … continue reading the entire article
Estate planning conversations shouldn’t focus solely on what will happen to your assets after death, but also on what may happen if you experience diminishing mental capacity during your lifetime as a result of an accident, disease, medication, or dementia. It can happen at any age. A General Durable Power of Attorney (POA) focuses primarily … continue reading the entire article
Did you know that access to an electronic record is considered a digital asset? You should establish a way to keep track of important logins, passwords, access keys, and personal identification numbers (PINs) to ensure your family and power of attorney can access important online and electronic records when the need arises. Make a list … continue reading the entire article
A New Year means it’s time to act on your resolutions. Getting organized is one of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions, according to a recent Reader’s Digest survey. Organizing your home and office are lofty goals and can lessen the chaos of your everyday life. However, consider how important it is to have your … continue reading the entire article
Wartime veterans or their surviving spouse with limited income may be eligible to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help pay for the assistance they may need in everyday activities or with long-term elder care, home care aides, skilled nursing, or adult daycare. The VA announced new rules going into effect on October … continue reading the entire article