Estate Planning

If your net worth is more than $1 million (individual) or $2 million (couple), you need an estate plan - otherwise, your heirs may be sending a high percentage of your estate to the government in...

A trustee is in charge of administering a trust. You can act successfully as trustee if you understand your duties and follow sound, professional advice.

As painful as it may seem, advance planning can help you avoid legal battles and other emotionally exhausting experiences during one of the most difficult times of your life. If you have children...

One of the most important things you can do to help your aging parents is assist in planning their estate. This will clarify their wishes and ensure that they receive the best care possible...

From castle to condo, your home (together with other assets) is your estate. And as with any asset you own, you have to protect it from taxes, legal claims and other creatures of the night. The...

We love and care for them when we're alive. What happens to our pets when we die? Will your state recognize a provision in your will that your pet parrot shall go to Uncle Leroy? Does Uncle Leroy...

I've included Six Ways to Avoid Probate (5 of which are free!) below. The information that follows shall not be construed as legal or tax advice. It is for educational and informational purposes...

Let’s define each to begin. We will start with Endowment because it is definitely life insurance.

The executor of your will is there to make sure that everything runs smoothly after your death. That person is responsible for collecting and inventorying your estate assets, paying off your...

There are several issues that go along with passing on a family vacation home, and the solutions can be complicated if you're not prepared to deal with them in advance. These issues can include...

The value of your estate is calculated by adding the current used value of all your assets, less the value of mortgages and other debts. You add to this number the value of taxable gifts made, and...

To determine the value of your estate, add up the current value of every asset you own and subtract the value of mortgages and other debts. Add to this number the value of taxable gifts made, and...

To find out the value of your estate, add up the current value of every asset you own and subtract the value of mortgages and other debts. Add to this number the value of taxable gifts made and...

If you have been named as the executor of an estate, then you have a hard job ahead of you. In addition to mourning the loss of someone you were likely quite close to, you now have the added...

If you are due to receive life insurance benefits after the death of a loved one, then you will need to know at least the basics of their policy information in order to contact the insurance...

When a loved one dies, the executor of the Will is responsible for the estate until it's closed down. This person will have to set up a bank account in the name of the estate to collect interest...

A retirement account often transfers, with pay on death orders, to the surviving spouse or designated party upon death of the holder. If this is not the case with a particular retirement account,...

Collecting social security benefits can be like pulling teeth from an angry crocodile, and the last thing you need while grieving is to have to fight for your rights. Be prepared with all the...

Selecting beneficiaries and life insurance is a big decision, but it is important to ensure that your beneficiaries will receive the death benefit in the event of your death. Follow the steps...

Choosing someone to manage your estate when you pass away is a very big decision, and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. You can choose an individual, organization or institution to manage your...