Estate planning offers many ways to leave your wealth to your children, but it’s just as important to know what not to do. Here are some things that are all-too-common, but textbook examples of what not to do or try....…

While most proactive individuals know the importance of having a well-rounded estate plan, it is typically considered as something that will take effect after they have passed away. But there are in fact many ways in which comprehensive estate planning…

Emotions can run high at the death of a family member. If a family member is unhappy with the amount they received (or didn't receive) under a will, he or she may contest the will. Will contests can drag out…

Why an estate plan is more than just a will. A will is a good start, but there’s much more to estate planning that drafting and signing a will. A will won’t necessarily preserve your assets for your loved ones…

As Ambrose Bierce once darkly observed, “Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” Obviously, ideally, when someone passes away, the paperwork and material concerns associated with the estate are so flawlessly handled (thanks to excellent…

In estate planning circles, the word “probate” often comes with a starkly negative connotation. Indeed, for many people — especially those with larger estates — financial planners recommend trying to keep property out of probate whenever possible. That being said,…

When you pass away, your family may need to visit a probate court in order to claim their inheritance. This can happen if you own property (like a house, car, bank account, investment account, or other asset) in only your…

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.…

Life insurance can give great peace of mind to the insured by providing for their loved ones after their death. Life insurance benefits can help pay for your children’s college education or provide for your surviving spouse. However, life insurance…

One common method of estate planning is a will. A will distributes your estate and contains certain instructions for your beneficiaries. Individuals often question whether their will will be valid if they move to another state. This is often a…