Losing a trust document can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Trust documents are legal instruments that govern the distribution of assets and property, and losing them can complicate the administration of a trust. However, there are steps you can take if you lose your trust document. The first step is to contact the attorney […]
Trust
5 Reason Why a Trust Might Be a Good Idea
A trust is a legal arrangement in which one person, the trustee, holds property for the benefit of another person, the beneficiary. Trusts can be powerful estate planning tools that offer a wide range of benefits for individuals and families. Here are some reasons why you may need a trust: Overall, trusts can be powerful […]
Wills, Trusts & Dying Intestate: How They Differ
Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is, as Martha Stewart would say, a “good thing.” However, many of us don’t take the steps to get that estate plan in place because we don’t understand the nuances between wills and trusts – and dying without either. Here’s what will generally happen […]
10 Types of Trusts: A Quick Look
Considering the myriad of trusts available, creating an estate plan that works can seem daunting. However, that’s what we, as estate planning attorneys, do every day. We know the laws and will design a plan which addresses your specific situation. Here’s a look at the basics of ten common trusts to provide a general understanding. […]
Parental Warning: If You Own Your Property This Way, You May Accidentally Disinherit Your Own Children
Owning property as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship is easy, common, and often disastrous. Sadly, children – both minor and adult – are often disinherited. While there are several forms of joint ownership, the one most people use (and the one considered in this discussion) is called “Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship.” When […]
What Estate Planning Awareness Means For You
The third week of October is National Estate Planning Awareness Week (Oct. 15-21, 2018). Estate planning is important for everyone regardless of wealth or family status because if you become incapacity or pass away without an estate plan, you are leaving the distribution of your assets subject to state law – and the results may […]
A Trust for Fluffy or Fido? Why Every Pet Parent Needs to Consider a Pet Trust Today
Estate planning is about protecting what’s important to you. Although much of the traditional estate planning conversation focus on surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, many pet parents wonder about what could happen to their “furry children” after their death or if they become incapacitated and unable to care for the pets. Read on if you’ve ever […]
Should Your Child’s Guardian and Trustee be the Same Person?
If you have overheard any discussion about estate planning, you have likely heard the words “guardian” or “trustee” tossed around in the conversation. When it comes to estate planning, who will be ultimately in charge of your minor child is an important decision that requires consideration of many factors. Although there is no substitute for […]