Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor: “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 58 percent of Americans do not have a will or trust, and it often requires a chronic disease or terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event to prompt the estate planning process. Talk to your attorney about completing the […]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds. That means approximately 790,000 people have a heart attack each year. If you have recently been hospitalized for a cardiac condition or a similar near-miss medical event, then you may be feeling a strong sense […]
Whether you have accumulated a little or a lot of wealth over your lifetime, it is likely that you have some particular thoughts on how you would like those assets to be used by loved ones after your death. Maybe you would like the assets to be used as a down payment on a home, be […]
Yes! Everyone needs a will, trust, or both to ensure your legacy is passed on in the way you intend, to provide for children, spouses, and family members, and in the case of trusts, to avoid probate. Wills and trusts are not just for the wealthy: A well-drafted plan ensures that what you do have is […]
Below are 11 of the most common mistakes found in estate plans: 1) Lack of Healthcare and Disability Planning. The majority of deaths occur in hospitals or other institutions. Patients may be incapacitated to the point where they can no longer communicate their healthcare wishes. Advance Directives and a Medical Power of Attorney can identify healthcare […]
People tend to be drawn to myths and legends. We fall in love with fairy tales and the wild and brave adventures of our beloved hero’s in some of the oldest myths handed down generations. These old wives tales are harmless and fun. However, when the truth gets twisted when it comes to your Estate Planning, […]
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 many 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 need. […]
In its simplest terms, a trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. The trustee owns the assets, enters into contracts on behalf of the trust, manages the trust’s investments as its trustee, and follows the trust’s instructions on making distributions. A trustee […]
