With or without a will, estates may have to go through a probate process. Typically, the probate process is used for one of two things. It might certify the validity of a will and the executor’s authority to carry out the wishes in the will. Without a will, the probate process must name an administrator […]

While most people look forward to retirement, not everyone has their estate plans in proper order. Even if you have created a will and related documents in the past, it is essential that you have them updated as you enter the retirement years. The most basic document in your estate plan is your will. Though

Your parents have always been there, guiding you from your first steps to choosing a university and beyond. This can make it difficult for adult children to recognize that it is time to begin assuming more significant involvement in the needs of their parents. Though it might be a touchy subject for them, you and

Estate planning is a must when you have a life partner but no marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union. Without the certificate, none of you can inherit from each other, and both of you won’t have a say in each other’s end-of-life medical care. If you don’t write a will, the state laws will be

The internet has brought us many possibilities, among which is the option to pay your bills online, receive electronic statements, and set up auto payments. Many companies leverage these methods and support paperless billing and online account management. That’s because this form of account management is a more convenient, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly

The traditional family model no longer applies to many households across the nation today, with many homes including adopted children as well as stepchildren. However, no matter how dear you hold others to your heart, that does not necessarily provide them with equality in the eyes of the law. If you want to ensure that

Throughout your life, a variety of events will occur that can affect your financial reality. Not only can big choices such as a second marriage or a divorce influence financial affairs upon signing, but these decisions can also affect your estate plans as well. Failure to consider and act on these matters can create various

Estate planning is an area of widespread confusion that often leads to mistakes that can cost you a lot of time and money and cause a lot of stress to your family especially when you are incapacitated, or when you pass away. Here are the most common estate planning myths you should be aware of:

If you have an interest in leaving behind a legacy that is positive and to eliminate or drastically reduce the taxes that your estate will owe once you have passed away, the act of making contributions to charitable causes or organizations is the ideal way in which to do this. Estate planning is a highly

If one of the spouses dies and passes on his or her assets in the last will, the estate will be heavily taxed before the beneficiaries ever receive it. Spouses looking to avoid this tax can set up an AB trust where they can each leave their assets to an irrevocable trust. What is an