Estate Planning for Young Adults
This article explores some of the myths and FAQs related to estate planning for young adults.
This article explores some of the myths and FAQs related to estate planning for young adults.
Whether you have inherited your wealth or have built it yourself, you likely want to share this wealth with the next generation and beyond. Read this article to learn how an estate plan protects family wealth.
Before setting up a revocable living trust, you should understand what you can—and cannot—do in your dual role as trustor and trustee.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.