Introduction When working with a will, it is important to understand the legal process of probate and why you want to avoid it as much as possible. Probate is a court-supervised process in which a deceased person’s estate is distributed according to his or her will. It can be both expensive and time-consuming, so avoiding probate when creating a will is in your best interest.  Faster Distribution of Assets Rather than having to go through the lengthy probate process, which can be time-consuming and stressful, one of the biggest benefits of avoiding prob ..read more

Estate planning is an important consideration for all individuals, regardless of their marital status. However, the legal concerns can be different for those living together instead of getting married. These individuals need to understand that just because they are not legally married does not mean they do not need an estate plan. Without one, the distribution of assets and decision-making authority in the event of death or incapacity may be subject to state laws and could lead to unexpected results. Unmarried couples need to consult an attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan that cons ..read more

Marriage is a milestone for many, even older adults. A lot of planning goes into a marriage, such as choosing outfits, selecting bridesmaids, and other parts of your wedding party. But there’s a lot that extends beyond the wedding itself. Older couples need to plan for other life events, such as having a living will and thinking about health. Age-related illness should become a priority to think about during the aging process. These are the challenges posed by a late marriage. There are steps every couple should take to legally plan for aging, college funds for the kids and grandkids, and inh ..read more

Your family is not just your own. Bringing up children can be difficult, especially when you have to protect your spouse and each other from the financial hardships of life. So why not use a trust fund to ensure that family members are taken care of and protected? This article explores how these trusts work and whether you need one. What Is a Family Trust?   If you’re not aware, a family trust is essentially a legal document that allows the owner to decide who the beneficiaries will be to give them the money or assets included in their estate plan. This can be useful if, for example, a p ..read more

Planning a vacation can be so exciting. You are ready to race out there, wherever there is, and enjoy the adventure that awaits you. However, you should pause for just a second and check your estate plan. This may sound like a weird bit of advice, but it is in fact a very smart thing to do.  Accidents and Accidental Deaths Occur More Often Away From Home Think about it for a second. Planes and trains crash. Cars and trucks crash. Even RVs run into dangerous situations that may present with life-altering situations. You may have your estate plan all set, but has anything happened recently ..read more

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Estate Attorney Specialist Searching for an estate attorney specialist to protect your assets can be tasking. However, there are several things that guide you on selecting the best attorney for you. These include the referees, expertise and experience in the field.  Try Not to Restrict Your Inquiry to Geology Alone In the first place, while your attorney ought to be authorized in your state, don’t restrict your pursuit geologically. There are a modest bunch of lawyers in your area who have practical experience in domain arranging. Track down the best ..read more

Death and taxes are inevitable, right? If you can discuss taxes with your spouse, you should be able to discuss death. Yet a lot of couples skirt around this discussion for as long as they can, and usually it results in quite the legal mess later. With the holidays coming up, you might be more inclined to ignore this discussion, but you should do the opposite. There are plenty of good reasons to sit down and have a good chat about estate planning during the holiday season. Everyone’s Home and Visiting How often do you, your spouse, and your adult children all sit in the same room together for ..read more

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to funeral and cremation arrangements. It would help if you had a say in the final “looks” of your remains. It’s your body, and you are the one who knows best how you want to look going into the great beyond. It Will Help Your Loved Ones Plan for Your Final Arrangements It’s a sad fact of life that we’re not all going to be around forever. But when you pass away, you don’t have to leave any questions about what kind of ceremony or party you’d like to have in your honor. If you put your final arrangement preferences in writing, everyone will know wha ..read more

For older adults to get the most out of their lives and make the most of their assets, they should consider creating an estate plan for financial and medical matters. Estate planning involves understanding what will happen to your assets after you pass away. This plan can also help protect your family from disputes and give them peace of mind knowing that your final wishes are in place. This article reviews the top estate planning tips older adults should use. Make a Will One of the best estate planning tips for older adults is to have a will. A will allows you to leave your assets as you see ..read more

Marriage is a milestone for many, even older adults. A lot of planning goes into a marriage, such as choosing outfits, selecting bridesmaids, and other parts of your wedding party. But there’s a lot that extends beyond the wedding itself. Older couples need to plan for other life events, such as having a living will and thinking about health. Age-related illness should become a priority to think about during the aging process. These are the challenges posed by a late marriage. There are steps every couple should take to legally plan for aging, college funds for the kids and grandkids, and inh ..read more