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.
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
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
Wills and revocable trusts are beneficial planning documents used to pass assets on to beneficiaries after death. However, there are very distinct differences. To make the best decision for your family, you should know the three major distinctions between wills and revocable trusts. Privacy When a will is administered, it must go through the court … continue reading the entire article
The topic of probate brings up a lot of concerns from people who come to us for estate planning. Many have heard horror stories from families and friends. They know enough to know that they want to avoid probate, but they don’t know why or how. Probate is simply an administrative process supervised by the … continue reading the entire article
As you go about your busy schedule, estate planning may not be your top priority. In the back of your mind, you know it is important to start the conversation. Maybe you think you have plenty of time for that later or you aren’t quite sure where you want to be financially, but you continue … continue reading the entire article
How do you avoid probate, yet put someone “in charge” of your assets upon death so they are distributed to members of your family, friends, and/or charities based on your wishes? Create a Trust! A revocable living trust is a sound estate planning tool that can be used to determine who will get your assets … continue reading the entire article
You’ve heard it’s a good idea to avoid probate, but do you really know why? Most people have the false sense of security that since they have a Will all of their affairs are in order and won’t involve a court after they pass away? Not true! A Last Will and Testament are only effective … continue reading the entire article