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...
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 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...
Taking a positive pregnancy test or hearing the news from your partner can be a very exciting or frightening moment. Even when it is an intended and wanted pregnancy, the impending reality of parenthood means making some big choices about your lifestyle and your...
When you think about probate court litigation, you may picture people fighting viciously over the property of a dead family member because they didn't leave a will. Large estates are notorious for damaging family relationships and leading to protracted, bitter probate...
Thorough estate plans include multiple different kinds of documents, each of which helps achieve a specific goal for the testator. An individual sitting down to create an estate plan will usually discuss their wishes and circumstances with the lawyer facilitating the...
Your estate plan serves as your last line of defense when tragedy strikes. Whether a car crash leaves you in a coma or you pass away, your estate planning documents serve to convey your intentions to others and to protect your personal values. Your estate plan may...