When an elderly person is trying to plan for their estate and who will get their heirlooms and savings after they die, undue influence can greatly influence what they choose. Potential beneficiaries who emotionally manipulate and pressure weak or confused elderly...
estate planning
What are the benefits of a funeral trust?
If you have ever had to plan a loved one's funeral, you undoubtedly remember just how expensive final arrangements can be. Indeed, according to World Population Review, the average cost of a funeral in California is nearly $12,000. When you include the cost of other...
How specific does my advance health care directive need to be?
It is easy to assume your family will step in if you are unable to make decisions concerning your health, but in reality, too few people carry on important conversations about end-of-life care. It is important to document your end-of-life wishes through an advance...
Is it possible to sue an executor?
Any estate that has a will has an executor. The executor is the person that is in control of representing the estate while it goes through probate. Typically, the writer of the will nominates an executor at the time of writing. The executor makes sure that any taxes...
What would happen to your estate if you died today?
If you have an estate plan in place, then you probably know what would happen if you died today. But for those who do not have a plan, the state will step in. What happens may not be exactly what you would wish. For this reason, it is imperative to create an estate...
What are the dangers of an outdated estate plan?
Estate planning is an ongoing process that involves strategizing and making decisions about your end-of-life desires. Allowing your plan to stagnate can have a detrimental impact on your future. When you know the dangers of an outdated plan, you can put provisions in...
Reasons you may want a dynasty trust in your estate plan
If you have a significant amount of wealth and want to ensure it passes down through generations of your family, you can implement a dynasty trust into your estate plan. Some assets you may name in a living trust, placing them under the ownership of a beneficiary...
How can you use wills and trusts together in your estate plan?
When creating an estate plan, many people think that if they have a trust, they do not need a will and vice versa. Wills and trusts can accomplish similar goals, but they can also work together to create a better estate plan. According to CNN, even if you have a...
Why would you use an irrevocable trust?
When it comes to the tools you can use to plan your estate, you have several options. One such tool is the irrevocable trust. Of the five main types of trust you can use to organize your estate, an irrevocable trust is perhaps the least practical. When you create an...
How can you identify life insurance beneficiaries clearly?
Taking out a life insurance policy is one way to provide for your family in the event of your death. After you die, your beneficiaries will receive the benefits from your policy without the need to go through probate. However, as the Insurance Information Institute...