Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth transfer of assets and the preservation of wealth for future generations. When considering estate planning options, three common instruments often come to mind: wills, revocable trusts, and irrevocable trusts. Each serves a distinct purpose, and understanding their differences can help you make informed decisions based

Life is unpredictable, and while it’s natural to focus on the present, it’s imperative to consider the future as well. ​A part that often goes overlooked is planning for the possibility of mental incapacity, which is a condition in which an individual ​cannot make decisions or understand and appreciate the consequences of their actions due

Asset freezing is a legal process by which a court or government agency can prevent individuals or businesses from disposing of or accessing their assets, such as bank accounts, investments, and property. The purpose of asset freezing is to prevent the transfer of assets that may be involved in criminal or fraudulent activities, and to

Do I need a revocable living trust, a will or both? While a will’s intent may seem straightforward, there’s a more direct way to ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes after your death, saving your heirs time and hassle in dealing with the courts. A revocable living trust (RLT) generally involves three

Contrary to popular opinion, a will is not only for the wealthy. It allows you to decide how your assets are distributed once you pass away. More than 50% of Americans think that estate planning is at least somewhat important, but only 33% have a will or living trust. That number has only slightly increased

Although we all know how important it is to have an estate plan, we don’t always realize how different stages or events in our life can affect estate planning. Whether you are looking to have kids, you are going through the midlife challenges of caring for your children and your own aging parents, or if

We all know how important it is to have some form of estate plan in place, be it a Will or a Trust. In the event of the unexpected, an estate plan can help protect you and make sure your wishes are carried out in regard to your heirs and beneficiaries. However, estate planning can

When many people think of estate planning, their first thought is often of a Will. However, a Will isn’t always the only, or even the best, option. Estate planning is a complicated process and it truly depends on each individual’s unique circumstances and goals. Everyone wants to make sure that their assets are transferred smoothly

Parents are used to taking care of their children. So, it can often be a struggle when the roles begin to flip as children become adults and parents grow older. Though it may sometimes be a difficult conversation to broach, being aware of our parents’ end of life plans and helping them consider what other

In addition to a Will and/or a Trust, an additional measure you can take to try to minimize conflict or complications after your death is by creating a Letter of Instruction. A Letter of Instruction typically includes sections on funeral arrangements, financial and personal affairs, and the distribution of personal effects. First, you can make