Putting together an estate plan can feel like a hugely overwhelming process, especially if you’ve never thought about it before and don’t know where to start. While estate planning can be very paperwork-heavy, it doesn’t need to be. When you’re just getting started...
Estate Planning
When should an estate plan be updated?
Planning an estate involves preparing for one's passing and ensuring that their possessions are transferred in accordance with the testator's wishes. Estate planning is a continuous process and that may mean it needs modifications. A person may need to change their...
Pet owners: Consider these estate planning points
Estate planning is a process that involves making arrangements for how an individual's assets will be distributed and responsibilities fulfilled after their death. While much of estate planning tends to focus on financial assets, real estate and care for dependent...
2 ways a trust can protect an inheritance
You do not have to leave an inheritance directly to an heir. You don’t have to cut them a check for $100,000, for example. Nor do you have to leave their inheritance vulnerable to creditors and disputes by articulating your wishes via your will. You can, instead, put...
Who should you pick as a guardian for your child?
Estate planning is a crucial step that all adults should consider doing. And some life changes can motivate you to do so, such as having a child. An estate plan is not all about distributing inheritances – it consists of several documents that protect your wishes,...
What should be in your estate plan?
An estate plan is a legal document or set of documents that outline an individual's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the management of their affairs in the event of incapacity or death. While there is no one-size-fits-all estate plan, specific...
Protect your assets with trusts
There are many reasons why you might want to set up a trust. Perhaps you want to make sure your children inherit your assets, or you want to protect your assets from creditors. Whatever the reason, trusts can be a valuable tool for estate planning. What are the...
Prevent your family from fighting after your death
When you pass away, there is always a risk that your family could get into arguments or disagree about how to handle your estate. It’s important to take action and to look into ways to prevent arguments or will contests, for example, so your passing can be as peaceful...
When might the legal validity of a will be challenged?
A will is an essential part of any estate plan. With this document, you can detail how your assets are distributed upon your death. You can also nominate legal guardians for your children and much more. As with any legal instrument, a will must hold under legal...
Why do people put off writing their will?
Many people put off writing their will because it’s often believed to only be useful later in life. This misconception has caused trouble for many heirs when their loved ones suddenly face health complications at a young age or are in fatal accidents. But, more...