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Understanding Common Legal Terms That Describe Loved Ones in Estate Planning

Fri 28 Jan, by on Estate Planning, Probate

Understanding Common Legal Terms  That Describe Loved Ones in Estate Planning

While watching a movie or reading a book about wealthy individuals and their families, you may have come across terms such as “heir,” “descendant,” and “next of kin.” Though made-for-Hollywood storylines use these terms interchangeably, words describing familial relationships have distinct definitions. Using the correct terms is critical in wills, trusts, and other legal documents because words have significant implications. The wrong word can lead the courts to incorrectly interpret your documents and therefore cause …

The Trust Protector: Your Guardian Angel

Fri 21 Jan, by on Estate Planning, Probate

The Trust Protector: Your Guardian Angel

What Is a Trust Protector? Traditionally, the three roles that must be filled when setting up a trust are the settlor (also called a grantor, trustor, or trustmaker), the trustee, and the beneficiary. All three roles are necessary to create a trust that functions properly. Although it is relatively common to use trust protectors in foreign asset protection trusts, a trust protector is a fairly new role in trusts drafted in the United States for …

Estate Planning As A Powerful Exercise In Optimism

Fri 14 Jan, by on Estate Planning, Probate

Estate Planning As A Powerful Exercise In Optimism

Many scientific studies have established that there is a wide range of benefits flowing from a positive attitude and positive thinking. At a time when many are focused on worst-case scenarios and gloomy predictions, you can resist the pull of negativity and embrace the beneficial results of positivity. This is not just an attempt to make yourself feel better in spite of reality, but rather to take full advantage of the proven benefits of positivity. …

Is Your Estate Plan Unfinished?

Thu 13 Jan, by on Estate Planning

Is Your Estate Plan Unfinished?

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 …

Why Your Heirs or Beneficiaries May Receive a Smaller Inheritance Than You Thought

Fri 7 Jan, by on Estate Planning, Probate

Why Your Heirs or Beneficiaries May Receive a Smaller Inheritance Than You Thought

Although it is rare for anyone to look forward to the passing of a loved one, many people cannot help wondering about a future inheritance. Often when a person dies and leaves money or property to heirs or beneficiaries, the first thing the heirs or beneficiaries want to know is the overall value of the estate. If the executor or the trustee (the person or entity in charge of handling the final affairs of a …

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