Estate planning often focuses on distributing the assets that you own. People also use it to do things like making medical decisions in advance. But it’s important to remember that it also has to address debt. Specifically, if you pass away with outstanding debt, that...
Year: 2022
Incorporating charity into your estate plan
You’ve taken the important step of addressing your estate plan. First of all, you want to make sure that all of your loved ones are cared for should you become incapacitated. However, there are other things that you also want to include. You’ve always been a...
Did you plan for incapacity?
As you get older, it’s natural to think about end-of-life planning. However, younger people also need to consider this planning step. What would happen if you were unable to make decisions for yourself? Who would handle your finances and medical care? Do your loved...
4 things to remember if executing an estate for the first time
You might have said yes straight away when someone asked you to execute their estate. A lot of people do so out of loyalty to the person asking. It might not be till that person dies that you consider what it entails. Here are some reminders when you feel overwhelmed:...
If these people die, you need to change your estate plan
When you make your estate plan, it is your death you have in mind. So it might seem odd to suggest you need to think about other people dying. Surely they have their own estate plans for that? Hopefully, they do, but their death can still affect your estate plan if...
Dying without a will is especially risky for LGBT adults
Creating a will may seem like an unnecessary expense and a morbid exercise, but it is an important step for every adult to undertake. There is no way to know what could happen in the future, and if you don't proactively create documents before you have a serious...
Why include an advanced healthcare directive in your estate plan
When you create an estate plan, you are taking a necessary step to protect yourself and your loved ones when you pass away. While this is true, many people don’t realize there’s more that goes into an estate plan than just a will. One document you need to include is...
Can you disinherit family members in your estate plan?
The legacy that you leave behind when you die can be a way to show people how much you care for them. It could also be a way for you to let them know how badly they hurt or disappointed you. It is quite common for close family members to feel a sense of entitlement...
How do I create a living trust?
A living trust is one of the most important estate planning tools you can ever create. Done right, it can protect your estate from costly and time-consuming probate, ensuring that your hard-earned assets pass down to your loved ones according to your wishes. However,...
3 myths about probate you need to know
As you age, you may look for ways to prepare for a time when you won’t be here. The goal for most people is to make things as easy as possible for their family after they pass. Unfortunately, there are so many misconceptions about probate that it can be difficult to...