Estate Planning

Developing an estate plan with blended families is essential for maintaining any kind of control over the distribution of assets upon your death. With the rise in divorce and remarriage, blended...

Set up a dynasty trust to provide distribution of your assets through several generations and take advantage of the generation-skipping tax transfer (GSTT). These assets are protected from estate...

Each state has its own state death tax laws. These laws can be categorized by either state death taxes based on federal statutes or taxes based on each state's tax rates, credits and exemptions....

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...