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For most people, thinking about one’s own mortality is unpleasant and low on the list of priorities. While you may objectively recognize the need to plan for your future – and the future of your loved ones after you’re gone – it can be hard to summon the motivation to actually create a will or trust. If you’ve made an effort to begin the process but haven’t finalized the details, consider this article the sign …

When most people think of estate planning, they think of assets that include money, real estate, and personal property. But, included in someone’s estate could be invaluable personal property, such as family heirlooms or keepsakes. This type of property should not be overlooked in your estate plan just because it may not have a high dollar value because it still has sentimental value that cannot be quantified. Part of a thorough estate plan is determining …

The wealth, property, and investments we accrue over a lifetime are often significant. While you have carefully managed your finances through the years, there may eventually come a time when you cannot handle such decisions. To plan for the likelihood that you are unable to manage your financial affairs, it’s important to have everything in order while you’re still of sound mind. For starters, you’ll want to execute a financial power of attorney. It’s perhaps …

If you think you only need to create discretionary lifetime trusts for young, troubled, or financially inexperienced beneficiaries, then think again. In this day and age of frivolous lawsuits and high divorce rates, discretionary lifetime trusts should be considered for all of your beneficiaries, minors and adults alike. What Is a Discretionary Lifetime Trust? A discretionary lifetime trust is a type of irrevocable trust that you can fund while you are alive – in which …

No matter the time of year, it is always a good opportunity for members of the military and their loved ones to consider setting up — or revising an existing —estate plan. Military families need to consider special estate-planning issues that others do not. This is particularly true when one or more family members are deployed overseas. Beyond this, members of the military have access to special benefits and resources. This can become complicated and, …