We all have to pay taxes, both as individuals and as businesses, including while we are alive and as our final responsibility once we pass on. In the latter case, it's an executor's fiduciary responsibility to file a testator's final tax return. It may cause problems...
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Life changes that warrant revisiting your estate plan
Many people put off estate planning either based on the assumption that they'll eventually get around to it or because they assume that state intestate laws will always protect their best interests. Delaying in planning one's estate isn't a good idea, nor is assuming...
Protecting your animal with a pet trust
Pet owners worry about what will happen to their animals if they can't care for them. Outsiders often perceive the concern as bizarre, but it makes perfect sense to ensure your beloved cat, dog, bird or other pet continues to live the life they've grown accustomed to....
Constructing advanced directives for your medical decisions
You have several options when it comes to planning advanced directives for medical decisions that will have to be made on your behalf. You can plan for this contingency by writing down on paper how you would like to be medically treated if you cannot provide that...
Medicaid planning: When is it too late?
While it's best to prepare for long-term care in advance, sometimes this isn't possible or isn't considered until our later years. Medicaid eligibility in some states depends on several factors, but there are steps you can take now to ensure the money you've worked...
How do testamentary and living trusts compare?
Many individuals make the mistake of assuming that drafting a will is the most critical aspect of estate planning. While a will is undoubtedly an important part of the process, preparing a health care proxy, advanced directive, and financial power of attorney are also...
Understanding the differences between a power of attorney and health care proxy
Estate planning can be a problematic and multi-faceted undertaking. It requires an individual to make a number of difficult decisions regarding their finances as well as their future health care needs. Every individual situation is unique, and there is no...
What is medical power of attorney?
Many people are familiar with the term power of attorney, but it's important to note that there are different kinds of powers of attorney. Those who are familiar with medical power of attorney may also think that this only applies to older individuals. That is not the...
Trusts that may be appropriate for Medicaid planning
Individuals often assume that their health insurance will adequately cover their medical expenses, including long-term care in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. The prospect that insurance coverage will be adequate to cover these costs is low. Most...
What you need to know about an advanced directive
When planning your estate and financial issues, you should also consider including plans for your medical wishes should you become ill or incapacitated. An advanced directive may include several different facets that address and carry out your health care plan either...