Posts by Jennifer Elliott
5 GREAT TRAITS OF AN ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY
An estate planning attorney must have several positive attributes. For many people, their estate is relatively simple with the majority of their assets going to family members. If you have a large estate, the complexities may make it more difficult to plan effectively on your own.
Read MoreESTATE PLANNING FOR SINGLES: ISSUES AND ESSENTIALS
These days nearly half of all Americans are single. If you are single and must deal with estate planning, it’s important to meet with a professional and consider the following points.
Read More5 Things to Consider While Creating a Will in California
The reason a last Will and Testament is important is because it clarifies who takes possession of assets owned by a person after their death. Without a will, unresolved confusion and tension may occur within a family.
Read More3 TIPS FOR OVERWHELMED EXECUTORS
While it is an honor to be named as an executor of a will or estate, it can also be a sobering and daunting responsibility. Being an executor (sometimes called a personal representative) requires a high level of organization, foresight, and attention to detail to meet responsibilities and ensure that all beneficiaries receive the assets to which they are entitled.
Read More5 MISTAKES MADE BY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES (AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM)
When establishing a trust, you need to give serious thought to choosing your successor trustee—the person who will administer your trust once you’re no longer able to do so. This individual ideally should be:
Read More5 TRAGIC MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN LEAVING ASSETS TO THEIR PETS
A pet trust is an excellent way to make sure your beloved pet will receive proper care after you pass on. The problem, of course, is that you won’t actually be there to see that your wishes are carried out. It’s critical to set up a pet trust correctly to ensure there are no loopholes or unforeseen situations that could make your plans go awry.
Read More5 THINGS EVERY NEW MOTHER NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT WILLS
As a new mother, you naturally want to ensure your new baby’s future in every way. For many new mothers, infancy is a time for celebrating new life, and making a will is the last thing on their minds.
Read MoreDID YOU INCLUDE YOUR GRANDKIDS IN YOUR WILL? 5 TIPS TO AVOID COMMON PROBLEMS
As we build wealth, we naturally desire to pass that financial stability to our offspring. With the grandkids, especially, we often share a special bond that makes us want to provide well for their future. However, that bond can actually turn into a weakness if proper precautions aren’t set in place.
Read MoreWHY YOUR ESTATE PLANNING PROJECT MUST MORPH INTO A PROCESS
Many people put their estate plan on their to-do list as a one-time project: “Create estate plan” or “Meeting with lawyer 10:30 a.m. Thursday for estate plan.”
Thinking of your estate plan as a single project or task to complete and move off your list is a common approach – but it’s also an approach that can land you in considerable hot water. Here’s why it’s essential to view your estate plan as a process, rather than a project.
Read MoreYOUR ESTATE PLANNING BINDER: TIPS FOR PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
YOUR ESTATE PLANNING BINDER: TIPS FOR PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE You finally crossed “getting your estate plan done” off your list, and you’ve (rightly) breathed a huge sigh of relief. By tackling this challenge, you’ve not only established protections for your loved ones and legacy, but you’ve also freed up some important “mental space” that…
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