People often delay planning for the future because they think it is not necessary for their specific circumstances. You do not have to be exceptionally wealthy, a business owner or at an advanced age to benefit from having certain legal and financial protections in...
Estate Planning
You have options when you inherit an IRA
Inheriting money or assets from another person is often an event that comes with mixed emotions. You may feel saddened at the loss of that person but grateful that he or she cared so much for you. Though an emotional response is natural, there are practical...
What you need to consider with estate planning
Having an estate plan is somewhat of an achievement, as it’s something many people neglect to do. It’s very important for people of all income brackets to have one to ensure the management of their assets after their passing. However, too many people fail to realize...
What type of trust is best for your estate plan?
Estate planning is a process that allows you to decide how you want your personal affairs handled, including what you want to happen to your personal property, in the future. You can also draft certain documents that will allow you to maintain control over your...
Does your estate plan protect your business?
From naming a guardian for your children to laying out your wishes for your home, your car and your savings, your estate plan must address many different details of your life. As a small business owner, though, your estate plan should address more than your personal...
How to make an inherited Roth IRA part of your estate planning
Many people know how helpful it is to have an Individual Retirement Account, or an IRA. A Roth IRA in particular is ideal, as it may not be subject to tax when the owner makes a withdrawal. However, for those who inherit a Roth IRA, the rules are a bit different. If...
How often do you need to update your estate plan?
While many people review their plans every few years, others neglect to touch theirs after creating them. Yours might be mostly sound. But it may need revisions to reflect your current circumstances and wishes. By taking time to review it, you can make sure your...
How to use your estate plan to protect yourself while you are still alive
Most people think of estate planning as creating a will and trust. In other words, declaring how assets like who will receive your home, investments and other valuables when you pass away. Your estate plan should include these things, of course. But it does not have...
What happens if an executor doesn’t file a will with the court?
An executor of an estate must generally step in and file an individual's will with the county probate court when a testator dies. An executor only has a set number of days to do this after a testator's death. The decedent's personal representative may face both civil...
What should you do with your estate documents when you divorce?
If there's one recommendation that people make about estate planning, it's that no one should put it off. If you've already planned your estate but now you're preparing to divorce, there's no time like the present to schedule an appointment with your estate planning...