
TODs can Derail an Estate Plan if not Coordinated
A primary benefit of using TOD/POD designations is that assets held in the account will pass automatically to the beneficiary without having to go through probate.

A primary benefit of using TOD/POD designations is that assets held in the account will pass automatically to the beneficiary without having to go through probate.

The probate process can be expensive for some estates. Settling an estate through probate can cost you both time and money.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Anyone with a bank account, house, car or other personal property should have a will.

Traditional, very simple estate planning may not be sufficient to accomplish estate planning goals in many blended family situations.

Even Consumer Reports suggests working with an experienced estate planning attorney to make sure documents are correctly prepared.

There are good reasons why people want their estates to avoid probate, and a lot of ways to do it.

When it comes to owning property in two different states, you may wonder how to manage these in your estate plans.

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.

A will allows you to distribute your worldly goods, select a guardian for minor children and name an executor to carry out your wishes.

Both help you pass down assets, while avoiding the time and expense of probate. However, one has much more flexibility than the other.