Category Archives: Estates

Paperwork: Estate Planning After Death

Death Estate Paperwork

Part 3 of a 3-Part Series Over the past couple of weeks, we examined important things to consider after losing someone to death. To read part one, click here. To read part two, click here. This week, we conclude the series by focusing on paperwork.  Cancel benefits Family member recipients of Social Security, veterans, or other benefits […]

Safe Estate Planning After Death

Part 2 of a 3-Part Series Estate Safety Considerations Last week, we began a three series about important factors to consider in estate planning after losing someone you love to death. Click here to read part one. This entry, the second in the series, covers ways to make sure the estate remains safe.

Estate Planning After Someone’s Death

Funeral Death

Determine which of your loved one’s accounts contains cash that can be accessed for the beneficiaries’ needs and other expenses. The last thing you want is for an item to be repossessed or the electricity turned off due to non-payment.

Caregiver: You’re Not Planning Just for Yourself

Guardian legal Estate Plan

Along with your financial advisor, we can help determine which of your resources can be used to fund the special needs trust or if a life insurance policy may be needed to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to provide for the beneficiary’s care.

National Adoption Month: Adoption Law

Adoption Law

If your adoption is not yet final, but you love the child you intend to adopt and want to provide for him or her, you need to specifically name the child in your estate planning documents.

More Estate Planning Tips: Part 2

Estate Planning Attorney at Desk

Make sure that your family members have proper medical powers of attorney and advance directives in place. These documents contain their wishes about how they would like their medical care to be handled if they are not able to make decisions for themselves.

Estate Planning Awareness Week

Family Meeting (To discuss estate plans)

If you are planning to speak to your parents about the need for an estate plan, it is important to try to include any siblings in the discussion to avoid giving the impression that you are trying to influence or control your parents’ choices.

Include College Kids Estate Planning Preparation

Kid Packing for College

College Estate Planning Prep You may have been running around for weeks, getting your new college student off to school. It’s exhilarating, and your heart likely is bursting at the seams. You’re probably prouder than words can express, but you’re also a little afraid, too. How can you make sure your kid is going to […]

When to Review Your Estate Plan

Financial Changes

Just like other important life tasks, your estate plan deserves your time and attention. It’s important that you work with us to review your estate plan at least once a year. Think of this as your estate plan’s annual physical exam, and remember—prevention is the best cure. An annual exam isn’t necessarily the only time […]

Coordinate Your Estate & Retirement Plans

Retirement and Taxes

Many people think of retirement funds as monolithic resources. That’s understandable. After all; we work for years socking away money for the future. Unfortunately, though, rising healthcare costs can erode even the largest retirement account. Retirement accounts typically form the largest portion of most estates. So, set up proper management to handle your fund. The […]