ESTATE PLANNING

A revocable trust can be a versatile tool in your estate plan

A revocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “living trust”) is a popular estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transfer of those assets…

Charitably inclined? Pair a donor-advised fund with your estate plan

Your estate plan is the perfect place to make charitable gifts if you’re a charitably inclined individual. One vehicle to consider using is a donor-advised fund (DAF). What’s the main attraction? Among other benefits,…

Balancing legacy and independence: The role of an inheritor’s trust

An inheritor’s trust is a specialized estate planning tool designed to protect and manage assets you pass to a beneficiary. One of its primary advantages is asset protection. It allows your beneficiary to receive…

Leaving specific assets to specific heirs may lead to unintentional outcomes

Does your estate plan leave specific assets to specific family members? If so, you may want to reconsider your plan. While it may be tempting to say, leave your son your classic car and…

The ins and outs of relocating your trust to a tax-friendlier state

It’s not uncommon for people who live in states with high income taxes to relocate to states with more favorable tax climates. Did you know that you can use a similar strategy for certain…

Estate planning Q&A: Guardianship

If you’re the parent of a newborn, toddler or older child, you may be thinking about naming a guardian for him or her. This can be a difficult decision, especially if you have many…

Have you prepared an advance health care directive?

An advance health care directive allows you to communicate your preferences, in advance, for medical care in the event you become incapacitated. Often part of a comprehensive estate plan, these directives sometimes go by…

5 questions single parents should ask about their estate plans

In many respects, estate planning for single parents is similar to that of families with two parents. Parents want to provide for their children’s care and financial needs after they’re gone. However, when only…

There’s no time like the present to have your will drafted

When a person considers an “estate plan,” he or she typically thinks of a will. And there’s a good reason: A well-crafted, up-to-date will is the cornerstone of an estate plan. Importantly, a will…

CATEGORIES