When you and your spouse have built a life together over the years – with a shared home and merged finances – it’s only natural to think your estate plan should be shared, too. But is that really the best option for you? Many couples assume that a joint will can cover...
Estate planning is no longer concerned just with physical assets like your homes, bank accounts and family heirlooms. These days, you also have to consider your digital assets – which include everything from cryptocurrency and cloud storage of your photos to your...
When applying for the Medicaid program, familiarizing yourself with its eligibility rules is necessary. The one element you must not overlook is the allowable asset and income limit. Exceeding the allowable limits can complicate your application, which may lead to...
If you own property in more than one state, it’s important to understand how that can affect your estate plan. One issue that often surprises families is the necessity for multi-state probate – an extra legal process that can be time-consuming, expensive and...
Most people associate the phrase “prenuptial agreement” with celebrity marriages and high-stakes divorces. In truth, a well-drafted prenup is not just a tool designed to make divorce easier – it’s also a solid part of a broader estate planning and asset protection...
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a person's estate after death. While it serves a legal function, a lot of families do not appreciate the inherent delays it can cause and the all-too-public nature of the proceedings. For many families, probate can...
When you inherit property or investments from a loved one, you may be focused on the sentimental value of the property or the financial opportunity the assets represent. But there’s an important tax concept that can make a huge difference in how much you ultimately...
Blended families are now more common than ever, with second and third marriages being the norm amongst seniors – but they can make estate planning more complex. The goal is simple: you want to provide for your spouse, protect your children’s inheritance and avoid...
Deciding to seek guardianship over a loved one is never easy. You may be feeling a huge range of emotions over the situation – from concern and confusion to guilt and grief. However, in some cases, action simply becomes necessary to ensure that a vulnerable loved one...
In times of economic uncertainty, many people postpone estate planning, believing it’s best to wait until the market stabilizes before formalizing their wishes. However, uncertain financial conditions actually make estate planning more important—not less. Whether the...
