Most American adults do not have an estate plan. Studies have found that, even though everyone needs a plan eventually, only about one-third of Americans have actually created estate plans. Many others are putting it off or may have no plans to craft these documents...
Estate planning can be a very complex process. People need to think about their likely future needs and also about their families. From choosing the right assets to leave to specific loved ones to planning for incapacity, there are many crucial steps involved in the...
For many people, the term estate planning makes them think of older adults, those with valuable personal assets and those with dependent family members. It is certainly commonplace for some people to wait to put together testamentary paperwork until they get married...
Every adult should attempt to create an estate plan that works for their situation and goals, whatever they may be. Some people have a spouse or a child with special needs who will require ongoing support. Others may want to leave resources for charity. There are a...
One of the great features that estate planning has is opportunity. Those who go from politely discussing their legacy to actually having to write it down may be overwhelmed by how much work is required. Having an estate plan that is tailor-made to you presents an...
Those who have a will or trust are already ahead of the curve as far as the average American's management of their estate concerns. Those who have drafted powers of attorney probably have better protection for themselves and their loved ones in the event of an...
Many people create estate plans that empower and protect their spouses. They expect that their spouse will take care of their other family members, including their shared children. When couples divorce, their attitudes toward one another tend to shift dramatically,...
People's wills often include detailed instructions about how their assets should be distributed in the event of their death. They might leave certain assets for their spouse and others for individual children. It is common for testators to prioritize the inclusion of...
People often worry about addressing their most valuable resources in their estate plans. Including your home, your investment accounts and your small business in your will or other estate planning documents will typically be a smart decision. For many people worried...
Maybe you have a child in your family who was born with Down syndrome and who requires support despite technically being an adult. Perhaps a child in your family experienced pediatric cancer or a teenage car crash that left them with a serious brain injury. There are...