During a 2013 Northwestern Mutual webcast, one-third of those watching indicated that they have either drafted their own estate plan, or know someone who drafted their own estate plan. Whether these do-it-yourself estate plans are created through online programs or drafted by hand, a recent article explains that they can quickly become problematic. A simple[...]
A revocable trust, also referred to as a living trust, is an estate planning tool that a person can use to pass his or her assets outside of probate after his or her death. A recent article explains how a person may benefit from a revocable trust. When a person puts property in a revocable[...]
In the coming years, experts predict that the demand for estate planning services and expertise will be greater than ever. As a recent article points out, the nation’s aging baby boomers are currently entering the retirement phase of their life. This “silver tsunami” is increasing the need for retirement and estate planning. American’s senior citizens[...]
As women continue to give birth later in their lives, and more and more same-sex couples want to conceive children of their own, the use of artificial reproductive technology (“ART”) is becoming more and more prevalent. As a recent article explains, those who use ART, even if they never conceive a child, must factor it[...]
Estate planning can be a daunting task. However, there are certain steps a person can take in order to make the process go smoothly and avoid common mistakes. A recent article discusses several of these steps. First, be sure complete all documents in your estate plan. After you have completed all documents, ensure that your[...]
Many people create a “to-do list” before leaving for a vacation or other trip. As a recent article explains, several estate planning steps should be at the top of that list. By completing and updating your estate plan, you can travel with the peace of mind that, should you suffer serious illness or death, your[...]
Most pre-death transfers of wealth consist of transfers of money or other assets from parents to their children. As a recent article explains, these transfers can occur in many different formats, and have various impacts on those involved. Children often ask parents to give them a portion of their would-be inheritance while the parents are[...]
A common estate planning goal is to reduce taxes and thereby pass more money along to the beneficiaries of the estate. A recent article discusses several different estate planning devices that may help you to save taxes on your estate. The article first discusses how family business owners can reduce estate taxes. If you have[...]
Estate planning is often the last thing on the minds of young adults. As a recent article explains, however, incapacity planning is a facet of estate planning that is absolute necessity for everyone, and especially beneficial to young adults. Incapacity planning is one of the first parts of estate planning that young adults should complete.[...]
While the process of dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy, there are certain estate planning steps that people can take to ease the process of estate administration for their heirs. A recent article discusses some of these steps. The first step is to create a file and label it, "My[...]