Estate Planning Help Guides and Resources

Estate Planning Help Guides

Estate Planning: When to Update Your Plan and Why

If you have an estate plan already in place, then you have started off on the right path. If you do not have one yet, it is time to get one drawn up so you can have a plan in place. However, once you have your estate plan made, it is not......

7 Key Estate Planning Steps to Follow When You Have Kids

As a new or soon-to-be parent, you begin to realize that there is very little you would not do to protect your beloved children. Babyproofing your home and finding the perfect car seat are important steps, of course, but have you created a contingency plan to ensure your child continues to receive amazing care once you are no longer around? Do you k...

How to Set Up a Living Trust

A living trust, also called a revocable living trust or simply a revocable trust, is a common estate planning tool. When you create a living trust and transfer assets into it, those assets avoid probate court when you die. A living trust can also make it easier for your loved ones to manage your estate in the event you become incapacitated during yo...

Understanding the Probate Process

Probate can sound like a terrifying word and an even more terrifying process. However, it does not have to be. You can easily navigate the process when you understand the ins and outs of it. In fact, the probate process can consist of as little as four steps, so there is no need to overcomplicate it in your mind. What Is Probate? Probate is a common...

Essential Estate Planning Updates to Make After You Get Divorced

Divorce holds considerable implications not only for your financial future, but also for the future of your loved ones and even your medical care. To that end, it is imperative that you revisit your estate plan as soon as you seek divorce or separation. Keep the following estate planning considerations in mind as you proceed with your divorce. Befor...

An Overview of Trusts

Trusts can be very valuable tools that individuals can use within their estate plan. They are one aspect of a larger plan, and when used correctly, they can have many different benefits. They are not the best move for everyone, however. Having......

Using LLCs for Estate Planning

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business entity that is separate and apart from its owner(s). It offers asset protection and a less complicated tax and formal structure than a corporation. Small businesses and individuals often use......

How Can Business Owners Use Trusts to Their Advantage?

Protecting your business assets is imperative, especially if you are planning for future generations to take over the business. Incorporating your business or setting up a limited liability company (LLC) provides some personal protection, but......

Components of an Estate Plan and How to Determine What You Need

An estate plan is something that everyone should have in place. Whether you only need one estate planning document or all of them will depend on your specific situation. While you may already have one component, such as a will, it may not be......

7 Reasons to Think about Estate Planning When Starting a New Business

Starting a new business is actually a great opportunity to start getting your affairs in order. That is because the evaluation, planning, and implementation process that surrounds starting a business should be a natural call to action for planning your estate....