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Most estate planning mistakes revolve around the inability to take assertive steps and to contact trained professionals to ensure important issues have been addressed, Fear, procrastination and lack of knowledge can all lead to these types of mistakes. Avoid These 12 Common Estate Planning Mistakes Estate planning can be complex, but having a thoughtful plan […]

Asset protection planning is part of the practice of every estate planning attorney.  Estate planning can include elements that protect assets from creditors, expensive probate, long-term care costs, taxes, and a variety of other sources of diminution of assets. Why Is Asset Protection Important? When developed by a qualified attorney, a well-structured asset protection plan […]

IRAs hold a special place in the basket of a person’s assets to be distributed at death.  IRAs carry tax consequences, which may be delayed or even avoided with proper planning. IRAs play a special role in estate planning.  As qualified funds, these accounts automatically avoid probate, and also require designated beneficiaries.  As such, IRA […]

An estate inventory, i.e. the identification and location of all of your assets, important documents and estate planning, must be prepared by your chosen executor or successor trustee.  Paving the way during lifetime to assist that chosen person is always a good idea. Estate Inventories: How to Protect Your Legacy and Simplify the Process for […]

Estate plans should not be considered one-time events.  When life evolves, often our desires and needs evolve as well.  A periodic review is always a good idea. Your Estate Plan Is Complete — What Comes Next? Congratulations — you’ve taken a major step by creating your estate plan. You’ve made thoughtful decisions, signed important documents, […]

The passing of a spouse is certainly a tragic event.  Estate planning can avoid any unnecessary complications with the transition to the survivor’s new life.  Updating the surviving spouse’s estate planning documents may be necessary at this time as well. The following topic is a common occurrence, unfortunately, with our clientele over  past 25 years  […]