What Can I Not Do as Trustor and Trustee of a Revocable Living Trust?
Before setting up a revocable living trust, you should understand what you can—and cannot—do in your dual role as trustor and trustee.
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Choosing a Gift to Give to a Charity
If you are considering making a donation to a public charity, you are not limited to donating cash. Depending upon your financial situation, giving objectives, and the needs of the charitable organization, certain accounts or pieces of property may be better suited for donation to the charity.
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Could a Testamentary Trust Be What Your Loved Ones Need?
There are pros and cons to probate, and after weighing them, some people may prefer to establish a testamentary trust, which is a trust created through a will—even if this means that the person’s money and property must go through probate before the trust is funded and money is given to beneficiaries.
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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?
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What Happens to My Will When I Die?
The main purpose of the probate process is to distribute the deceased’s money and property in accordance with the Will or state law. Not all Wills, and not all accounts and property, need to go through probate court. And just because a Will is filed with the probate court does not mean a probate needs to be opened. But whether or not probate is necessary, most state laws require that a Will be filed when the creator of the will passes away.
Read article Should your child’s guardian and trustee be the same person?
If you have overheard any discussion about estate planning, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee” tossed around in the conversation. When it comes to estate planning, who will ultimately be in charge of your minor child is an important decision that requires consideration of many factors.
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What Is the Difference Between a Probate Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning attorneys and probate and trust administration attorneys play crucial but distinct roles in the legal processes involving legacy planning, asset distribution, and wealth preservation. As part of the estate planning process, you should discuss with your attorney the role they will play during your lifetime and whether they can also assist your loved ones with estate and trust administration when you pass away.
Read article How to Choose a Trustee
When you establish a trust, you name someone to be the trustee. A trustee does what you do right now with your financial affairs—collect income, pay bills and taxes, save and invest for the future, buy and sell property, provide for your loved ones, keep accurate records, and generally keep things organized and in good order.
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Top 3 Reasons You Need an Up-to-Date Estate Plan
There are some common beliefs you may have about estate planning that may be inaccurate: that having a will avoids probate, being married means everything a spouse owns goes to their surviving spouse, and a person does not need an estate plan if they own few assets. Understand the importance of having an up-to-date estate plan and learn how it not only contemplates what happens after your death, but also protects you and your loved ones if you become incapacitated. While there are many reasons to establish and update an estate plan, this article is going to focus on the top three.
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The Estate Planning Cast of Characters
What's the role of successor trustees, professional fiduciaries, guardians, and personal representatives? What's the difference between a health care agent and a financial agent? Read this article to learn more about these important roles.
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