Most families get together for the holidays, share laughs, and tell stories. Everyone gets along and enjoys each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings bubble to the surface. And the once-happy family dynamic crumbles over the decedent’s estate. There goes estate-planning peace!
Category Archives: Probate
Popular services like Airbnb offer attractive alternatives to hotel stays. Homeowners and vacationers, alike, enjoy the perks associated with “easy” rentals. Do you own a home or other income-generating rental property? Make sure you understand the following asset protection and estate planning considerations: Protecting Owners from Liability As with any rental relationship, property ownership comes […]
If you become incapacitated, who is going to take care of you? As difficult as it may be, face facts. If you become incapacitated, you will not be able to make medical decisions for yourself. What’s more, you won’t be able to manage day-to-day-today affairs. This would be sad no matter what. But, if you […]
Estate planning often brings out emotional decision-making relative to asset division. Many people think that if they love their family, they can solve estate concerns by leaving everything to their loved ones in a will. Unfortunately, however, wills are (contrary to their name), not the most caring way to plan your estate. It’s important to […]
Have you created a trust or will? If not, now is the time to do so! And, if so, did you work with an established estate planning attorney to set it up or did you DIY? Either way, review the following caveats to see if any apply to your plan. Review the list to make […]
Planning for the Financial Future of a Troubled Adult Child Are you concerned about any of your adult children? A well-executed estate plan can pose extra challenges for families with adult children struggling with addiction, marital issues, or irresponsibility with money. The last thing you want is for your wealth to end up having a […]
A dream without a plan is just a wish. Estate planning takes your wishes and turns them into reality. Estate planning is also a great way to focus on the legacy you want to leave behind for loved ones, so they can avoid the expense and delays associated with probate. And, in the process, you […]
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” ~ Benjamin Franklin Since wisdom means that you realize the finite nature of life, living well calls for careful estate planning. As Baby Boomers age, they discover the realities associated with aging:
Some financial articles insist that a will is not the best way to leave assets to heirs. But why is that? Won’t scribbling something on a napkin work? Wills often lead to long and expensive court proceedings. Countless other more-efficient ways could be used, all of which more effectively pass property to family. Why a […]
With probate court, the rules and processes differ depending on the deceased’s state of residence. If your loved one lives in California, this is what you should know: What is Probate?