How Should You Hold Title to Real Estate?
Your home is probably the most valuable asset you own. Yet most people do not think about how to hold title until the title company poses the question when you buy or refinance. But how you hold title to real estate deserves careful consideration because it has far-reaching effects. Let’s look at some common ways […]
Why Unmarried Partners Should Care About Estate Planning
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 7 percent of surveyed adults were living with an unmarried partner, up from 3 percent in 1995.[1] More people such as yourself are entering long-term committed relationships without getting married. Unfortunately, many state and federal laws do not protect unmarried couples as they do […]
Single? Estate Planning is Still Essential
These days, more people are living single than ever before. In 1970, about one-third of Americans 15 and older were single, according to U.S. census data. In 2020, that number is closer to 50 percent. Whether never married, divorced, or widowed, single people need to pay just as much attention to their estate planning as […]
Estate Planning for Pet Parents
A Trust for Fluffy or Fido? Why Every Pet Parent Needs to Consider a Pet Trust Today Estate planning is about protecting what’s important to you. Although much of the traditional estate planning conversation focus on surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, many pet parents wonder about what could happen to their “furry children” after their death […]
Estate Planning for Snowbirds
Considerations Before Heading South for the Winter For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it is time to head south. If you are thinking about heading for warmer weather this winter, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. Which state do you consider your home? Your state of domicile […]
Estate Planning for Military Families
No matter the time of year, it is always a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up — or revising an existing —estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members are […]
When Is the Best Time to Plan Your Estate?
Most people start thinking about planning their estates when they reach retirement age. After all, the “normal” progression of life is to graduate school, get a job, get married, have children, help your children graduate school, retire, become grandparents, and enjoy life. Then, after a long and fulfilling life, you will eventually pass on. But […]
Estate Planning Checklist Before You Travel
Does your estate plan (or lack thereof) come to mind every time you board a plane or embark on a long drive? When we travel, many of us are reminded of our own mortality and the remote but real possibility that we might not return due to death or illness. Before any trip, most of […]
How to Disinherit a Family Member
When planning your estate, you have the right to distribute your assets any way you choose. There is a myriad of reasons why a person might decide to disinherit a would-be beneficiary. The method of disinheriting someone depends on the person’s relationship to you. Disinheriting Your Spouse Unless your spouse agrees in writing, it is […]
Understanding Corporate Trustees
Seven Reasons to Have a Professional Help You Build, Manage, and Protect Your Wealth With people living longer and healthcare costs continuing to rise, our savings must grow larger and last longer. Deciding where to put your money in an uncertain market with so many investment options from which to choose can be very confusing, […]
