A living will is a legal document that outlines your healthcare preferences if you become unable to communicate due to illness, injury, or incapacity. It ensures that your medical wishes are followed when you're no longer able to make decisions for yourself. What is a...
estate planning
Your digital assets need an estate plan
Estate planning in the 21st century goes beyond physical assets and bank accounts. Your digital footprint represents a substantial portion of your life and legacy. As you contemplate your estate plan, it is crucial to consider how these digital assets will be managed...
Reasons you need an estate plan no matter your age
Planning for the future is a responsibility that transcends age. Regardless of your stage in life, consider creating a comprehensive estate plan. Reviewing the reasons for having this plan in place may encourage you to get the legal protection you need for the future....
What are the duties of an estate executor?
Choosing the person who will manage your estate after your death is almost as important as ensuring you have an estate plan in place. This person is going to have a lot of control over what happens with your assets and how well your estate makes it through the probate...
Making your estate plan stronger and more functional
A big advantage of estate planning is the reassurance it provides for you and your beneficiaries. Having a strategy is a great place to begin, but over time you can continue to make it stronger and more functional. Knowing how to improve your plan can help you...
Why should you periodically review your estate plan?
A well-written estate plan can do just as much for your surviving family members as it can for you. Building out your strategy will take time and could require the help of professionals. Keeping your plan updated throughout your life is the only way it can continue...
An overview of special needs trusts
When it comes to estate plans, you have many different factors to review and every individual and family is in a unique position. There are pros and cons to each strategy, and the smartest approach to estate planning depends on your unique circumstances. If you have a...
How do you streamline your estate plan review?
When reviewing your estate plan, it is easy to feel overwhelmed at first. The bigger and more complex your estate is, the more complicated your plan, too. This often makes the concept of review feel like a gargantuan task. Fortunately, there are ways you can make it...
Appointing a guardian in your will
Parents are often worried about who will care for their children if they unexpectedly pass away. It is generally the parents’ responsibility make that difficult decision. Abdicating that responsibility and delegating it to a court is unadvisable, as no court can have...
Don’t forget Social Security benefits in an estate plan
There are many reasons to begin the estate planning process; however, no matter the reason, it is essential to ensure that it is complete. To each individual this might mean something else, but in general terms, this means considering what documents to include and...