Several Ways to Avoid Probate
There are good reasons why people want their estates to avoid probate, and a lot of ways to do it.
April 19, 2022
What Assets are in an Estate?
This is an important question to ask, because the answer could tell you whether you need to worry about estate taxes, beneficiary issues or probate concerns.
January 24, 2022
What a Will Can and Cannot Do
A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.
January 20, 2022
Trust provides more Protection than TOD
Both help you pass down assets, while avoiding the time and expense of probate. However, one has much more flexibility than the other.
January 6, 2022
TOD and POD Accounts are ways to avoid Probate
A TOD account allows the account holder to name a beneficiary on a non-retirement financial account to receive assets at the time of the account holder’s death, thereby (generally – i.e., when used correctly) avoiding probate.
December 28, 2021
What a Will Can and Cannot Do
That last will and testament you have tucked away? It may not be the last word on what happens to your stuff after you are gone. Instead, that legal document’s directives for doling out your wealth may be overruled by other paperwork and relevant laws.
November 18, 2021
Handwritten Will can be a Serious Mistake
A holographic will is a will handwritten by the testator (the maker of a will). Holographic wills are recognized in about half of the states in the United States.
June 16, 2021
Short-Cuts in Planning can have Consequences
Over the years I get all kinds of questions from people. And boy, have I heard some doozies. But one common one I get is called the ‘lazy (or poor) man’s (or woman’s’) estate planning.’ This type of estate planning has some very negative tax consequences.
June 15, 2021
Including a POD Account in your Estate Plan
Payable on death accounts can help streamline the process of transferring certain assets to loved ones, after you pass away.
May 25, 2021