Turning 18 is a major milestone for both your child and you. While it may feel like just yesterday you were teaching them to ride a bike or cheering them on at little league, your child is now legally an adult. That means the rules have changed especially when it comes to your ability to help them … Read more
Eugene Allen Hackman enjoyed a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. In a bizarre sequence of events, seemingly ripped from a movie script, his death raised questions and exposed some flaws in both his end-of-life planning and his Estate Plan. Gene’s final act didn’t result in a happy ending, but rather a tragic tale full of warnings to those who care to listen.
You’ve likely thought about who should receive your house, your investments, and your cars. But what about your stories, values, and personal messages? Those intangibles carry deep emotional weight, and they have the power to shape your legacy just as much as any physical asset. That’s where a lesser-known but impactful planning tool comes into … Read more
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference, providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its Members. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the conference.
Most people assume they know where their assets will go when they pass away—especially when they’ve created a Will or Trust. But what about your retirement accounts? You may not realize that your IRA, 401(k), pension, or life insurance may not follow your Will or Trust at all. Instead, these accounts typically pass according to the beneficiary designation … Read more
You may look at estate planning as a simple matter of using a document to express who gets what. This is certainly important, but hands-on tasks must be completed to bring your wishes to fruition. With this in mind, communication is part of the equation as well. Let’s look at the ways you can transmit … Read more
When it comes to estate planning, the type of property you own can significantly impact how your plan should be structured—especially if you’re married and live in a community property state. Learn how community property affects your estate plan. What Is Community Property? Community property is a form of marital ownership recognized in nine states:Arizona, … Read more
Medicaid crisis planning helps you protect your assets and secure care when you’re facing sudden long-term care needs. The financial impact of long-term care can be overwhelming, so planning later in life is better than not at all. If you are going through this, you might find yourself unprepared. You face the challenging task of … Read more
Nobody expects the unexpected. When actor Heath Ledger passed away suddenly on January 28, 2008, at the age of 28, the world was stunned. Heath’s accidental death from a combination of prescription medications left more than just a legacy of powerful performances—most notably his Oscar-nominated role in Brokeback Mountain—it also left behind an estate plan that … Read more
