Estate Planning

What Is a Dead Cat Bounce?

This colorful term is used to describe a technical phenomenon that occurs during a significant market downtrend. After weeks or even months of grinding lower, asset prices appear suddenly and inexplicably to change direction and spring back to life. Puzzled traders wonder, is this the big turnaround they have been desperately awaiting? Has the wind […]

Should You Add Your Children to Your Deed and Bank Accounts?

Many people believe that an easy way to avoid probate and enable your children to assist you as you age is to add your children to your bank accounts and even the deed to your home. But this strategy doesn’t always work as planned. Suppose your child causes a severe car accident. Your account can […]

Questions to Ask Before Meeting with an Estate Planning Attorney

Prior to making an appointment with an estate planning attorney, ask yourself a few questions to come prepared to the meeting. If you don’t know the answer, come with prepared questions for your attorney. Doing this will ensure the best use of your time and money. What makes up my estate? Your estate consists of […]

How to Handle Inheriting an IRA

If you inherit a traditional IRA, there may be tax implications to consider. Tax rules differ depending on whether or not the beneficiary is a spouse. Knowing the rules can shield you from some serious tax consequences. If you’re a spouse of the deceased, you have a number of scenarios, depending on your age. One […]

Give Your Heirs a Fair Shake

For some simple estates, all you may need to do is split your assets in equal proportions among heirs. In other instances, however, you have more complex issues to confront: How can you apportion a family business, especially one to which all beneficiaries do not contribute the same sweat equity? How should you approach real […]

How to Deal With Estate Litigation

Death is just the beginning. When a loved one passes, navigating through the probate process can dredge up unresolved emotions and family conflicts, all intensified by grief. As survivors find themselves rehashing the past, the settlement of probate can ignite long-buried resentments. If the parties have been looking for a fight for years, probate unleashes […]

Your Executor Must Wear Many Hats

When you write a will, one of your most important decisions will be whom to appoint as the executor, responsible for carrying out the terms of the document. It is not a casual choice. Executors play a crucial role in ensuring your wishes are implemented faithfully and efficiently. The ideal candidate would bring a combination […]

Four Ways to Pass Your House to Your Children

Your home is probably your most valuable asset. You are clear about whom you want to end up with it when you die. If you’re a parent, you want your kids to inherit your home. Ensure that your wishes become reality. Among available options are including your home in your Will, transferring your home to […]

Blended Families and Estate Planning

A blended family can be a blessing. However, it does mean you have to take special care with your estate plan — although you want to take care of your spouse and stepchildren, you do not want to inadvertently cut out your biological children. Take the following steps: Check your beneficiaries. Who is the beneficiary of […]

Estate Planning: Know the Basics

When beginning your estate plan, your first task will be to inventory what you own. You may be surprised by all the tangible and intangible assets you have accumulates. Estimate some values, but you may want to obtain an appraisal on your home and statements from financial accounts. You will then need to work with […]