Estate Planning: An Overview
Does the whole idea of "estate planning" seem a little off-putting to you? Many people think it's something that only rich people need to do.
Don't let the legal terminology fool you. Estate planning is simply the process of getting your affairs in order so that you make things easier for your surviving family members when the time comes. It doesn't have to be difficult, expensive, or depressing. All you need to do is take a few simple steps: take a look at what you own, make a will and a few other documents (you can probably do it yourself, without hiring a lawyer), and review the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts. For the vast majority of Americans, there's no need to worry about estate taxes or fancy trusts.
Estate planning is something you do for your family. Get it done, and you'll feel better knowing that you've taken care of them.
Ready to create your will?
You’ll likely need to revisit your will or living trust after these major life events.
Take care of your family by making a will, power of attorney, living will, funeral arrangements, and more.
If you move, should you throw out your estate planning documents?
How to protect beneficiaries from themselves.
If you have kids, you need a will.
Most of don't know a lot about the law of wills, trusts, or probate--after all, they're topics none of us really want to deal with.
Use your estate plan to leave important instructions about your property, children, and health care.
You may be able to protect your property from future liabilities like creditors or legal judgments against you.
More and more states are accommodating notarizations conducted virtually.
If your spouse isn’t a United States citizen, some special legal rules may affect your estate planning.
If you're in a common law marriage and something happens to you - what are your partner's rights?
If you’re concerned that you or a loved one is developing dementia, consider creating a power of attorney, health care directives, and other estate planning documents.
If you don't update your will, trust, and beneficiary designations after a divorce, your ex could inherit from you.
Who's on the hook when a person dies with debts?
Take care of your family by making a will, power of attorney, living will, funeral arrangements, and more.
What is the difference between a revocable living trust and a will? And which should you make?
A survivorship requirement means that a beneficiary cannot inherit from you unless he or she lives for a certain period of time longer than you do.
Leaving an explanatory letter can be a meaningful and safe way to express sentiments that don’t belong in your will. Learn more about
Making gifts is great—just don't create a tax problem for yourself or the recipients.
Making gifts during your life can provide you with tax savings and more.
Most people don't need a lawyer to make their will. Here's why.
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