Tag Archives: estate planning attorney
Basic Things to Know about Writing a Will
A last will and testament is the most basic estate planning tool you can use to pass down your assets to your loved ones or charities of your choosing. If you have not yet begun the process of creating your own will, below are just a few things you should know before you get started: […]
What Should You Look For in Your Estate Planning Attorney?
If you are just getting started with the process of planning your estate, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is finding an estate planning attorney with whom you feel comfortable working. If you’ve never worked with a lawyer, you may not know which characteristics you should prioritize. Below are just a few […]
Methods of Transferring Real Estate Upon One’s Death
If there are real estate assets in your estate, those assets are probably the most valuable items you own. This means you should be careful about choosing who assumes ownership of real estate upon your passing. How you transfer ownership of real estate depends largely on how you own the property in question. Below are […]
Steps a Personal Representative Should Take if No Will Can Be Found
Without a last will and testament, it is impossible to say for certain who the deceased person would have selected to serve as his or her personal representative. Therefore, the probate court takes it upon itself to name an individual to fill this role. In most cases, this person is a surviving spouse or an […]
Congress Considers Estate Tax Proposals
The federal estate tax is subject of constant debate in Washington, D.C. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December 2017, doubled the limits of the estate tax, and there have been Republican proposals to eliminate the tax completely. Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has proposed significantly […]
What Happens to Debts After You Pass Away?
Are you wondering what will happen to the debts you owe once you are no longer around to pay them? This depends primarily on the types of debts you have and the laws in your area about how those debts should be prioritized. Below is a quick overview of some of the most common types […]
Studies Indicate More than Half of Adults Do Not Have Estate Plans
Have you been putting off getting your estate plan done? You’re not alone. A 2017 study by AARP showed that only about 40 percent of all American adults have a will or living trust established. This is an alarming statistic when taken on its own, but when breaking the results down by different age demographics, […]
Choosing an IRA Beneficiary
If you wish to control who receives your individual retirement account (IRA) payouts after your passing, you do not do so through your will. Instead, you name a beneficiary for the account (and in most cases, a backup beneficiary as well). If you do not designate a beneficiary or do not complete the form properly, […]
Transferring Stocks Into Your Trusts
If you desire, you do have the option of transferring stocks and other securities into your trust. It is important, however, that you follow all state and federal laws, along with all requirements put forth by the issuer of the stock. It is highly recommended you work with an attorney during this process. To move […]
How to Deal With Stepchildren in Your Will
You can leave behind assets to stepchildren just as you would anyone else, by naming the assets you want them to receive in your will. However, stepchildren do not have any legal right to an inheritance unless you legally adopt them. Therefore, if you do not wish to leave any assets to your stepchildren, you […]