You think have a valid corporation or a limited liability company (also called an “LLC”) because you have filed with the State. But do you have a valid business entity? Most business owners organize their business as a corporation or …
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How to Leave an Inheritance to a Child or Other Beneficiary
You want to leave everything to your children or other beneficiaries after you are gone. If you are like many people whose estate plans I have reviewed, you may have just left immediate outright distributions to them. However, when you …
Titling of Assets
So you now have your trust. In addition to your trust, your estate plan should also include, at a minimum, your financial and healthcare powers of attorney and your pour-over will. Your financial and healthcare powers of attorney will allow …
Wills Guarantee Probate
Last week, we talked about what happens when you do not have a will. This week, we will discuss what happens when you do have a will. When you have a will, it only takes effect after your death. This …
If There Is No Will, There Is A Way
If you are like the majority of people in America, you have done no estate planning. This means you do not have a signed will. Just because you do not have a signed will, does not mean you do not …
Simplify Your Life
Preparing for your estate plan can be a lot of work. Not only do you have to decide who is going to do what when, you have to organize your affairs, so they can. To properly prepare your estate plan, …
Incapacity and Financial Powers of Attorney
Have you ever thought about what would happen to your real estate, bank accounts, investments and other property (your “stuff”) if you could not take care of them because of your mental disability due to an accident, illness or injury? …
Essential Estate Planning Documents
It has been a couple of years since I have discussed estate planning basics. Today’s column will be a refresher course. You may think of estate planning as only death planning. However, estate planning also includes lifetime planning in the …
How To Select an Estate Planning Attorney
Finding the right attorney to plan your estate can be a significant challenge. It may be the first contact that you will ever have with an attorney. What qualities should you look for in an estate planning attorney? Do not …
Planning for Second Marriages Can be Tricky
You may have been widowed or divorced, so you are now in a second or even third marriage. You and your spouse both came to the marriage with your own separate property. However, you also may have property that you …