Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even those with the best of intentions can fall into the trap of estate planning misinformation. Estate planning attorneys frequently hear rumors and ill advice disguised as facts.
Don’t Delay Advance Directives
Some people think that, because their assets are jointly owned with a spouse or are in a trust, they do not need a Power of Attorney, or that if they become incapacitated, their spouse automatically has the authority to make medical decisions on their behalf.
What Documents are Needed in an Emergency?
If you knock time and money off the excuse list, you can take care of some important estate-planning tasks.
What Is the Purpose of a Pet Trust?
Many well-off pet owners have left millions of dollars to their cats, dogs and even chickens—perhaps most notoriously Leona Helmsley, who left US$12 million when she died in 2007 to her white Maltese dog Trouble.
Does an Elder Orphan Need an Estate Plan?
This is big concern for millions of older Americans who don’t have a spouse, children or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being.
What Legal Terms in Estate Planning do Non-Lawyers Need to Know?
For most people, entering the realm of estate planning can feel a bit like traveling as a tourist into another culture. Because the language itself is unfamiliar, asking a question can result in an answer that is equally confusing.
Elder Financial Abuse Can Be Prevented
Advice for adult children, so their parents in nursing homes and assisted living are safe from scammers.
How Important is End-of-Life Planning?
Every individual needs some form of an estate plan to protect their wishes and loved ones. Your estate consists of everything that you own (aka your assets), and although death may seem far away, it is never too soon to get your estate plan in order.
If You Become Incapacitated, a Power of Attorney Can Be a Lifesaver.
While we are alive, we can clearly make our own decisions. Unfortunately, one day you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot make your own decisions. Such situations occur most often in accidents, illnesses (physical or mental) and simple aging situations.
Major Life Events Necessitate Estate Plan Changes
If your life changes, so should your estate plan. Marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, a birth and a changing relationship with a child are just some of the life changes that may affect your estate plan.
