Is It Better to Update Your Estate Plan Before or After Divorcing?
When to Start Changing Your Estate Planning Documents After a Divorce If you are involved in one of the 2.4 million divorces happening each year, your estate plan might be the last thing on your mind. It is certainly important to remember to update these documents after your divorce, but many people are left...
How to Reduce the Chances of Your Children Arguing During Probate
Tips for Preventing Sibling Disputes During the Probate Process The average probate takes around nine months, but it can be extended even longer when heirs start disagreeing. An unfortunate reality of estate planning is that some siblings end up arguing about how their parents’ property should be distributed....
Giving Your Loved Ones the Gift of Avoiding Probate
One big reason that people draw up revocable living trusts is that they want to avoid the probate process. Probate is a court-supervised process that can take several months, or even years, to complete. Then your will is a matter of public record for everyone to see. None of this happens when you set up a revocable...
Estate Planning Issues When Your Kids Are 18 or Older
You can execute an estate plan at any time in life provided you are of sound mind when you do so. Most people who are well-versed in such issues would agree that devising a solid plan sooner in life is better than later or never at all. If your son or daughter has turned 18, there are several important estate...
5 Important Elements of a Will
Less than half of adults in the United States report having estate planning documents that include a will. If you haven't yet begun to explore preparing one, the impact of foregoing this step could be significant for loved ones left behind. Below, we go over five of the most important elements to be mindful of with...
The Correct Way to Seek a Conservatorship
Sometimes, it is necessary to become the guardian of an adult for the purpose of protecting that person’s finances. The adult may be the biological child of the person or may be a relative of a disabled person. Obtaining Guardianship of a Relative If it has been determined that a relative needs a guardian, you can go...
Balancing Estate Planning and Your Retirement Assets
Incorporating Your Retirement Assets Into Your Estate Plan Whether you are already retired or just planning for your future, aligning your assets with your goals is central in your estate planning. Do you want to contribute to your favorite charities or leave most of your assets to your next generation after you pass...
Types of Trusts From a Legal Perspective
Important Information About Different Types of Trusts According to a survey, over half of Americans don't have a living trust. If you're one of these Americans, you may want to explore your options. This guide will help you get started. What Is a Trust? In order to set up a proper trust, you must fully understand...
How to Tell If a Holographic Will Is Valid in Your Area
Is a Holographic Will Actually Valid? Over half of all states allow people to use a holographic will to bequeath their belongings to others. However, this type of will has some unique requirements if you want it to be legally valid. Whether it can actually be used after your death depends on a few factors. What Is a...
Easy Ways to Secure Your Child’s Inheritance
Strategies to Protect a Child's Inheritance From a Stepparent The divorce rate for those over the age of 50 has increased significantly since 1990. Therefore, it's possible that you'll eventually be in a relationship with someone other than your child's biological parent. If you predecease this individual, it's...