Estate Planning in a Nutshell

There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing. –Robert Burns Even with an estate plan, things can always happen that may cause confusion for the estate–or threaten the plan altogether. Below are three examples of worst-case scenarios and ways to demonstrate how a carefully crafted plan can address issues, from the predictable to the…

When you hear the phrase “estate plan,” you might first think about paperwork. Or, your mind might land on some of the uncomfortable topics that estate planning confronts head-on: end-of-life decisions, incapacity, and your family’s legacy from generation to generation. Those subjects hit home for everyone. But while that could feel like a reason to…

We know it’s hard. Thinking about someone else raising your children stops us all in our tracks. It feels crushing and too horrific to consider. But, you must. If you don’t, a stranger will determine who raises your children if something happens to you, which means your child’s guardian could be a relative you despise…

No one wants unnecessary court involvement in their life. But without careful and proactive estate planning, chances are that some aspect of your estate will end up being decided there. Here are two of the most common ways court proceedings can make their way into the management and distribution of your assets, along with the…

If you’re reading this, you need an estate plan. “Why?” you might ask. The short answer is “Everyone, age 18 and older needs an estate plan.” It doesn’t matter your age; if you’ve built up considerable wealth or if you are just entering adulthood, you need a written plan to keep you in control and…

While the term fiduciary is a legal term with a long history, it very generally means someone who is legally obligated to act in another person’s best interests. Trustees, executors, personal representatives, and agents are all examples of fiduciaries. When you pick trustees, executors, personal representatives, and agents in your estate plan, you’re picking one…

Every one of us receives and passes on an inheritance. The inheritance may not be an accumulation of earthly possessions or acquired riches, but whether we realize it or not, our choices, words, actions, and values will impact someone and form the heritage we hand down. — Ben Hardesty Successful estate planning is about far…

Most financially savvy individuals begin to plan their estate when they’re in peak mental shape. The idea that this might change at some point in the distant future is an unpleasant one, and they would rather go about their estate planning as if they’ll be as sharp as a tack late into their golden years.…

Yes, even the undead need an estate plan. After you stop laughing you need to hear me out. As we’ve learned from the likes of The Vampire Chronicles, the Twilight saga, and HBO’s True Blood, vampires aren’t immortal. They do die, and it’s usually unexpected and messy. While vampires aren’t good candidates for life insurance…

An Overview of Some Long Term Care Options One of the greatest concerns for the elderly we serve and their families is that of long term care. Two-thirds of seniors will need care at some point in their life and many have not planned for this likelihood. It is an emotional and unpleasant topic to…