What are the Consequences of Dying Without a Will?
When you die, a section of law known as estate and probate law governs how your assets are distributed.
Can We Learn from the Presley’s Estate Fight?
Priscilla Presley’s fight to remain trustee of Lisa Marie Presley’s trust can teach anyone a few lessons on proper estate planning.
Older Singles Can Plan to Protect Themselves
Aging solo is about those individuals who are widowed or not married, live alone and have no family or none they can count on. They are going through the last years of their lives on their own. It can be just fine until one’s health declines and the usual activities and access to friends get out of reach.
What Is the Meaning of Step-Up in Basis?
Step-up in basis, also known as stepped-up basis, is a wrinkle in the federal tax code that can help heirs avoid or reduce taxes on inherited assets.
What are Biggest Financial Blunders Folks make after 50?
Reaching age 50 is a milestone that most of us celebrate. Still, after you’ve blown out the candles and bid farewell to your guests, you may have a headache from too much champagne, but otherwise feel the same as before.
Is Surviving Spouse Automatically Your Beneficiary?
If the surviving spouse is a second or subsequent spouse and did not have any children with the decedent, the surviving spouse takes even less.
What Did Kirstie Alley Do for Estate Planning?
Kirstie Alley enjoyed the fruits of her labor following a successful career in the limelight, leaving behind a $40 million fortune and massive real estate portfolio.
Some Assets Better Left Outside of Will
That last will and testament you have tucked away? It may not be the last word on what happens to your stuff after you are gone. Instead, that legal document’s directives for doling out your wealth may be overruled by other paperwork and relevant laws.
How Should I Handle Memorabilia in My Estate Planning?
Memorabilia collections, by their nature, are specialized and unique. When considering your estate planning, it’s important to think about what you require of your beneficiaries — if you’re not planning on selling your collection — and how you can make that process as easy as possible for your family. What will your spouse or children have to deal with as they dispose of the items?
Do Family Secrets Hurt Estate Planning?
A study by the financial services research firm reveals just how big a problem family secrets can be, as reported in Financial Advisor’s recent article “Family Wealth Transfers Undermined by Secrecy.” Most asset holders plan to share their wishes and intentions with family members before they die. However, the research reveals only about half actually…
