What to Include in a Simple Will
Almost always, a simple will is the will of choice for you. A simple will is a single legal document that applies only to you (unlike a joint will for you and your spouse). A simple will describes [more…]
Status of Your Will: Testate or Intestate?
If you have a valid will, you are said to die testate, meaning you have spelled out your intentions completely and legally in your last will and testament. A will status of intestate [more…]
Beyond the Simple Will: Other Kinds of Wills
Although the simple will is right for just about everyone, you do have other options for your will. Other types of wills, along with the drawbacks of each, include: [more…]
How to Make Your Will a Reflection of Your Wishes
Even the simplest wills are filled with confusing legal terminology. Discuss your will requirements with an attorney: Cover the value of your estate and your tax situation, the individuals and institutions [more…]
Reasons Why You May Want to Change Your Will
Your will is a living document. Although a will’s intent is to provide for what happens to your estate after you have died, your will needs to change as your life changes. Don’t make the mistake of putting [more…]
Using Will Substitutes to Reduce Estate Taxes
Why would you want to use a will substitute (a legal agreement that transfers ownership upon your death) rather than your will for certain property? Property covered by a will substitute is transferred [more…]
Going Beyond a Will: Other Estate-Planning Documents You Need
Even with all your assets properly titled, your beneficiary designations in order, and a will or revocable living trust in place, you still have a few very important issues to take care of and documents [more…]
Will and Trust Items to Keep Track Of
You’ve gone to the necessary trouble of drawing up your will and perhaps creating a trust. Now you need to make a list of the locations of important papers and make sure that you and at least one other [more…]
People Who Can Help with Your Estate Plan
The professionals who help you set up your will and trusts can be useful not only during the creation of these documents, but also later on if you want to make changes. They can be invaluable resources [more…]
When to Review Your Estate Plan
You should review your estate plan, including your will and any trusts, on a periodic basis to be sure that your inheritance planning is consistent with your needs and goals. In addition, review your estate [more…]
How to Prepare for a Meeting with an Estate Planning Lawyer
You want your will and trust to be legal, so it makes sense to meet with a lawyer to form your estate plan. Lawyers who specialize in estate planning can help you cover all contingencies and help make [more…]
How to Plan for Incapacity in Your Will and Trust
It’s not easy to think about, but your will and trust(s) need to include provisions that go into effect if you become incapacitated for any reason. Your executor and your heirs will be grateful for your [more…]
Wills & Trusts Kit For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Taking the time and attention to write a will and set up a trust — or a couple of trusts — are acts of generosity that your heirs and loved ones will appreciate in their time of grief. To do it right, [more…]
