Most estate planning attorneys can help you craft an estate plan that minimizes or avoids probate altogether. Probate proceedings are part of the public record and can be very time-consuming and expensive. However, in nearly every case, to some extent probate is necessary. So, it’s important to understand how to navigate the process. Probate proceedings

Estate planning is a crucial step in ensuring your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. One effective tool to consider in your estate planning toolkit is the revocable living trust. Unlike a will, which only takes effect after your death, a revocable living trust allows you to manage

Starting an estate plan can be overwhelming, and you probably have many questions. You are not alone. Below are eight questions people often ask about last wills and testaments as they begin to think about estate planning. Aren’t Wills Only for Wealthy People? This is a common myth. Last wills and testaments (also known simply

Although in many situations the advantages outweigh the disadvantages when selecting beneficiaries, there are always exceptions. What Is a Beneficiary? Beneficiaries are individuals who you select to receive money, various other assets, or specific bequests (such as sentimental items) upon your death. You can name these individuals in estate planning documents such as a will.

According to the 2023 Wills and Estate Planning Survey by Caring.com, only 34 percent of Americans have an estate plan. The primary reasons respondents gave for not participating in estate planning are: Procrastination Believing they need more assets Not knowing how to make an estate plan An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents

According to WealthCounsel, over a third of Americans have experienced or witnessed familial conflict when someone dies without an estate plan. While most people believe having an estate plan is important, only a third have a plan in place, per Caring.com’s 2023 Wills Survey. While most adults in the United States think all they need for

When you assume the role of the health care proxy of a loved one, you make crucial medical decisions on their behalf. If your loved one becomes incapacitated and cannot communicate with health care providers, you are responsible for ensuring health care providers respect their preferences for care. If you are a health care proxy,

In the wake of the pandemic, rising inflation, and other events, more people recognize that they need to plan for the future. Yet while financial planning has been at the top of many Americans’ minds, a vast majority of people have stalled in creating an estate plan. According to a new study completed by Caring.com,