Many family members find themselves scrambling when it is time to pay for a funeral, whether they expect a death or not. That sort of financial pressure on top of your loved ones' grieving is something that smart preparation may help avoid. According to the National...
estate planning
3 key documents to include in your estate plan
A solid estate plan goes beyond a simple will. Planning for the event that you become unable to communicate is also important. In addition to making your wishes clear, each of these documents also involves assigning responsibility to a person of your choosing who will...
What does a trustee do?
If you have a trust as part of your estate plan, then you will need to name a trustee. The trustee is the person who will manage the trust assets and ensure everything goes smoothly according to your wishes when you die. However, SmartAsset explains the trustee's...
Making sure your estate plan works for you
An estate plan can help you visualize your goals for the future. You can identify what you want for your surviving family members and describe your expectations for the dissolution of your assets. Finding a strategy that works for your family will take time. In fact,...
Creating an estate plan for new homeowners
Many people do not consider planning their estate when they purchase a house. Young homeowners do not always consider the future, but this is understandable during the excitement and months of preparation. However, once you settle into your new home, you should start...
What happens to debt after a passing?
For many people in California and throughout the U.S., dealing with the loss of a close friend or loved one is often overwhelming. Not only is it difficult to process emotions that come with a loss, but settling the estate and other affairs may seem daunting. Whether...
What qualities should you look for in an executor?
As you plan out your estate and who will take care of it when you are gone, you may wonder what kind of person you should choose to be your executor. Considering the amount of responsibility this person has, this choice can seem overwhelming. Learning more about the...
What legal documents may help with my health care and finances?
Individuals requiring assistance with their personal care may consider adding the power of attorney documents to their estate plans. Depending on the help needed, you may create a legal document for your medical treatments and a separate one for your finances. You may...
Estate planning considerations for young parents
If you have recently become a parent, you know that the bond between a parent and child is extraordinary. You want to take care of and protect your children. You may have high aspirations for your child's future. If something happens to you, you want to know that your...
Taking a look at estate taxes
If you are in the process of setting up an estate plan, or you already have a plan in place and want to review or update your estate plan, you need to take various issues into consideration. From dividing your assets among beneficiaries to the person you place in...