It’s often commonly believed that once someone passes away their estate is immediately distributed to their heirs. However, unfortunately for beneficiaries looking to receive part of their loved one’s estate, most people have to wait until probate is over. Probate is...

In some cases, especially when someone passes away unexpectedly, they leave behind a significant amount of debt. For instance, they may have business loans or car loans. But even in situations where death is expected, there’s likely to be some level of debt from...

Cutting someone out of your will is a big decision. It can certainly be done, though, and there are many situations in which people think it’s the best option. For instance, maybe one heir is independently wealthy and doesn’t need the inheritance, but it could help...

It’s true that a family cabin can be a beloved heirloom that moves down from one generation to the next. Many adult children have numerous fond memories, and they may want to bring their own children there as they grow older. But it’s also true that doing this can be...

Estate planning may start with asset distribution, but that is certainly not the only thing that it does. You can also use your estate plan to address your future health needs. One way to do this is with a healthcare directive, but you may find yourself wondering why...

Most everyone understands the purpose of a will and why it is critical to have one. The more airtight the document, the better it protects your assets and family. However, many do not know what is necessary to create a valid and aboveboard will. When creating or...

Creating an estate plan is a responsible step to take to plan for your loved ones’ futures. However, you may not realize that once you create an estate plan, it’s not a “one and done” situation. It requires regular reviews and updates to keep it current and accurate....

As you put together your estate plan, one of the things you may want to look into is setting up a durable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney is a legal document that assigns a person the power to control legal, property and financial matters specified in...

Have you ever talked to someone who doesn’t have an estate plan? Maybe you were surprised. Maybe you were in the same boat – after all, most people don‘t have one. Maybe they even told you that they knew they needed an estate plan, but they hadn’t made one...

As a parent, you may have a focus on being fair to your children when you create your estate plan. But that may not necessarily mean that they all get an equal amount. For instance, maybe you have a certain heir that you feel may waste the inheritance, so you want to...