Your retirement account provides asset protection during your lifetime, but as soon as you pass that account to a loved one, that protection evaporates. When a loved one inherits your retirement account, creditors can seize it and use the funds to satisfy their claims. All it takes is one lawsuit and your life savings could be […]
Although spouses receive special treatment when inheriting a retirement account such as an IRA (the ability to roll over the account into a personal retirement account and to stretch the distributions over their lifetime), the retirement account you leave for your spouse can still be seized in a divorce, a lawsuit, or a bankruptcy proceeding. It […]
The most common stated goal of estate planning is to avoid probate. While a relatively straightforward process in Texas, probate can be somewhat costly and does require a time investment. Finally, when probating a will, that information becomes a matter of public record, all of which most people prefer to avoid. Whether or not your estate […]
A critical question to ask yourself when creating an estate plan is who will get your stuff when you pass on? People often think of an estate in relation to the larger assets (such as homes, retirement accounts, savings), and personal property (i.e. jewelry, clothing, sports equipment, vehicles, and other possessions are often overlooked). The truth […]
A medallion signature guarantee (MSG) is a unique tool used to protect the transfer of certain accounts and property from fraudulent transfers and may be required during the transfer of certain stocks and bonds. What is a Medallion Signature Guarantee? An MSG is a select certification type that combines a bank officer’s signature with a unique stamp to […]
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 had previously been preoccupied. Once you create the documents that make […]
If you are thinking about putting together an estate plan, it is important to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced in this area of law. Your initial meeting with an estate planning attorney is a good opportunity to discuss your family’s financial situation as well as your concerns and goals. If you are […]
Cryptocurrencies have been making headlines as of late, with more and more investors wanting in on this digital currency. Cryptocurrencies are attractive because they are unregulated, decentralized, and anonymous. While secrecy is useful in some areas of life, when it comes to estate planning it can lead to disaster. Indeed, your entire cryptocurrency investment can essentially […]
