Trust protectors are a fairly new and commonly used protection in the United States. In short, a trust protector is someone who serves as an appointed authority over a trust that will be in effect for a long period of time. Trust protectors ensure that trustees: maintain the integrity of the trust, make solid distribution…
Estate Planning That Expresses Who You Are
5 Things to Talk About with Your Family You intend to pass along your wealth through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring you accomplish both calls for a family meeting to have a conversation about your money, your legacy, and your core principles. Most families lead far-flung and busy lives, meaning the…
5 Estate Planning Must Dos Before You Travel This Summer
It’s travel season! Whether you’re planning to dip your toes in the sand and surf, or ride the newest attractions at your favorite amusement park, you’re ready to hit the road (or the skies) and get out of town! Before you travel, there’s one thing I can almost guarantee – estate planning is the furthest…
3 Asset Protection Tips You Can Use Now
A common misconception is that only wealthy families and people in high risk professions need to put together an asset protection plan. But in reality, anyone can be sued. A car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, or an injured tenant can result in a monetary judgment that will decimate your finances. Below are three tips…
How to Pass Your Stories and Values to the Future Generations
Money Isn’t Everything in Estate Planning. Money may be the most talked about wealth contained within a person’s estate, but the riches of their experience and wisdom can mean even more to family members down the line. Reinforcement of family traditions can be built into your estate plan alongside your wishes regarding your money,…
Nosey Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate. Really.
Most people think of probate as a private process. However, since wills are filed at the courthouse, probated estates become a matter of public record. That means your nosey neighbor Nellie can simply go down to the courthouse or hop online and find out about your probate. Really. It’s Not Just Nellie That Has Access……
Big Bang Theory Star’s “Ironclad” Prenup Challenged: How Does Yours Compare?
The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco is one of the highest paid actresses on television. She earns one million dollars per episode and has a net worth of $44 million. Before she married tennis star Ryan Sweeting in 2013, Cuoco asked him to sign a prenuptial agreement (“prenup”). After less than two years of…
How to Protect Your Child’s Inheritance from His or Her Untrustworthy Spouse
Parents who develop an estate plan often do so to provide for their heirs financially. Many want to make sure hard-earned assets, family heirlooms, or closely held businesses stay within the family. Indeed, a common question is what cost effective options are available to protect one’s children’s inheritance from a spouse in the event of…
Estate Planning for Military Families
Although Memorial Day just passed, it is important to honor those that have served our country. This time is also a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up an – or revising an existing – estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others…
3 Ways Your Trust Can Help a Loved One With Mental Illness
When a loved one suffers from a mental illness, one small comfort can be knowing that your trust can take care of them through thick and thin. There are some ways this can happen, ranging from the funding of various types of treatment to providing structure and support during his or her times of greatest…
The Difference between Lifetime and Deathtime Planning… and Why a Comprehensive Plan Must Include Both
According to a March 2017 survey by Caring.com, six out of ten Americans have no will or any other kind of estate planning. Many said they’d get around to it, eventually. When they’re old. (The survey did find that the elderly are much more likely to have some plan in place.) It’s all too clear…
How to Leave the Words of Wisdom to the Next Generation
You come into the world a blank slate, and as you grow, you gain wisdom. You’ve planned your estate to leave physical assets to your children and grandchildren, so now think about leaving them something that’s just as important but less tangible: the hard-won wisdom you’ve accumulated over your life. Let your family and friends…
