06

Mar

If My Will Is Filed with the Court, Will It Go through Probate?

Death is a personal and private affair that affects the deceased's close family and friends. However, there is at least one aspect of death that may require state oversight: probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of either (a) carrying out the instructions laid ou...

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06

Mar

How to Choose the Right Agents for Your Incapacity Plan

Many people believe that estate planning is only about planning for their death. But planning for what happens after you die is only one piece of the estate-planning puzzle. It is just as important to plan for what happens if you become unable to manage your own financial or medi...

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06

Mar

5 Essential Legal Documents You Need for Incapacity Planning

Comprehensive estate planning involves more than just planning for your legacy after your death, avoiding probate, and reducing taxes. Good estate planning also appoints people to make legal, financial, and medical decisions for you if you are alive but unable to make those decis...

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06

Mar

Who Should Be the Trustee of a Third-Party Special Needs Trust?

Family members with special needs may require assistance throughout their lives. If you want to ensure that a loved one with a disability is taken care of after you are gone, you can help manage resources for them by using a third-party special needs trust (SNT). Also known as a...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

Legacy Insights: Navigating the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax

Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax 101Many people are familiar with the existence and some aspects of estate and gift taxes. If you are part of an ultra-high-net-worth family, it is important to also understand the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax and how it may affect your...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

Demystifying Probate and the Executor’s Role

When creating a last will and testament (commonly known as a will), one of your most important considerations is who to choose to serve as the executor (also called a personal representative) of your estate. As the name implies, the role of the executor is to execute the instruct...

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06

Mar

Don’t Let This Crucial Question Derail Your Estate Plan

Sitting down to create or update your estate plan can be overwhelming. Crucial to a successful plan is your ability to address two major questions: Who will get your stuff when you die, and how do you want those individuals or charities to receive that stuff? Ways to Give Away Yo...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

Estate Administration Details that TV and Movies Get Wrong

While television and movies provide great entertainment, they are not always factual. Even shows based on real events are not entirely accurate. Creators of television programs and movies will often alter details of a story or situation to provide an enjoyable experience. Because...

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06

Mar

What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important?

When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally disburse any remaining items inadvertently left o...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

Creating and Preserving Your Legacy with a Dynasty Trust

What Is a Dynasty Trust and Why Should You Consider One? If you have significant wealth, one of the best ways to protect your family and transfer your wealth is through a dynasty trust. However, setting one up requires considerable financial and estate planning knowledge. As expe...

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Categories: Estate Planning Trusts