Wills and Estate Planning
Found 55 Articles.
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How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Changed Estate Planning
Only one part of the estate and gift tax law was changed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). Yet, the effects of all the law’s changes should cause everyone to take a detailed look at their estate plans and consider revisions. The only estate and gift tax change in the OBBB was to […]
How An Estate Plan Helps Prepare for the Worst Events
Few people associate natural disasters and personal catastrophes with estate planning, but they should. Part of the estate and financial planning process is to prepare for unexpected events, especially calamities and misfortunes. A good estate plan anticipates how to respond to natural disasters, serious personal health problems, damage to a house or other property, and […]
Which is Best for You: A Will or Trust?
The recent deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa highlighted the differences between the two primary tools for passing on the bulk of one’s wealth. The two tools are the will and the revocable living trust, also known as a living trust. Anyone with a living trust also should have a will […]
Reconsidering Living Wills
A good estate plan includes a lot more than will. Among the documents to be included are those about medical care. The traditional document is a living will but I’ve downplayed the importance of living wills for years since a better document is the medical care proxy or power of attorney. There are a number […]
How to Write an Ethical Will for Your Estate Planning
Your estate planning is part of your legacy, but your legacy should be more than financial assets, material possessions and legal documents. For more and more people, the final touch in their estate planning is what sometimes is known as an ethical will. Others have called it a legacy letter, heritage will, family philosophy statement, […]
Electronic Wills Are Coming
Very slowly but surely, estate planning law is catching up to modern technology. The latest development paves the way for electronic wills in most states. An electronic will, or e-will, is one that recognizes the traditional formalities of a will when they’re in an electronic format. An e-will can be written in an electronic medium, […]
Understanding the Last Will and Testament
The terms “last will and testament” and “will” often are used interchangeably and today mean the same thing. Both refer to a legal document that outlines a person’s final wishes regarding the distribution of assets and property after death and often other matters, such as the guardianship of minor children. Will is often used as […]
Guide to Wills: The Definitive Guide to Your Last Will and Testament
Guide to Wills: The Definitive Guide to Your Last Will and Testament addresses one of the most important documents for guarding wealth, providing for loved ones, and achieving other goals. Regardless of the size of an estate, the will is a critical part of an estate plan. It guides the distribution of assets […]
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Building a Legacy
Business Ownership and Succession
Digital Assets Estate Planning
Estate Planning Basics
Estate Planning Checklist
Estate Planning for Singles
Estate Planning Forms and Documents
Estate Planning Mistakes
Estate Planning Strategies
Estate Tax
Executors and Trustees
Family Limited Partnerships
Gifts and Gift Giving
Grandchildren
Heirs, Beneficiaries, and Children
IRAs & Your Estate
Power of Attorney
Probate
Trusts
